{The Rebellion}

[InactiveCoffee]

Trixie winced at the familiar name, and sighed, putting a hand to her forehead. "That idiot." she mumbled, and stood from the seat that Andras had pulled her into. "Let's talk in your study. Away from prying ears." she said, and waited for the other two to stand as well, before leaving the dining hall and making her way to where she remembered Jade's study was located. She let Jade take the lead, slipping inside after her and taking a deep breath. "Well, now or never I guess." she said, and looked between the witch and her demon. "Yes, I know Burk. He's actually the one I went to see when I learned the name of the person the politician's were keeping imprisoned." she said, crossing her arms over her chest. Something she always did when she was feeling more vulnerable that she wished. "I'm part angel. Everyone knows this." she started, looking at the floor. "I haven't always been free. When my parents were killed, I was caught, and nearly dealt the same fate." she started, her eyes sliding closed.


"Burk's late wife convinced him to have mercy, and took me in as a pet. His canary as he called me when he spoke of me outside of him and his wife." she said, shaking her head. "I lived as his pet for years. Eventually, after the woman's death, I became... more than just a pet." she shuddered, shaking her head. "Let's just leave that one at that." she sighed. "Either way, I eventually learned enough about Burk that we have a... mutual understanding that if he turns me in, I turn him in. He's a coward, so I doubt he'd ever do something as such." she waved a hand dismissively. "He's my informant now. He's just high enough on the totem pole to hear the juicy bits of the inner workings, but low enough no one ever pays him any mind." she shrugged, "The only payment he requires... is... well... I'm sure you can figure it out." she said, pointedly looking to Andras, as she had made plenty hints about it that same night she had first showed up at his bar with the name John Ashford on her tongue. "Long story short, thanks to Burk and my history as his personal pet.... I've a decent connection, and a good number of his political buddies know my face. I can waltz into a party and not be second guessed. Though, usually I end up in someone's bed for the night. Not exactly enjoyable." she grumbled.


--


Maddox nodded, yelping as more pressure was applied and then suddenly released. He gasped for air, "Okay. Okay. I'll get something worked out. She agreed to a second date, so it won't be that hard." he coughed, his hand pressed to his chest. "I'll get her caught and a raid underway." he sighed, staring warily at the apparition. He climbed from the car slowly, "It'll be difficult, but I'll see what I can do." he said, moving around the car and to the house. He needed to think, and to contact Jade. Or Andras. Perhaps the demon would be better. Or not. He did agree to set something up with Jade. He pulled out his cell phone as he got to the door, "Just prepare yourself." he said over his shoulder and ducked into the house. He turned on each and every light he could locate as he moved through the house, diminishing as much of the shadow as he could, mostly out of fear, and that's what he wanted John to think. He stood in the center of the main room, farthest from any shadows possible, and looked at his phone.


Maddox - to - Bar Chick #2 (Andras)


Hey. It's Mad... I'm in the boiler. I need a safe house.... we need to talk. ASAP...

 

[QueenofDorks]

The study had quelled to uneasy silence, even as Trixie spoke, delving into detail that made both witch and demon wince, it remained. Jade was perched behind her desk, files and books cleared from the surface so she could prop her elbows against it and lean forward. Andras, meanwhile, occupied a chair. His expression was crinkled, though his gaze even as he stared at the nephlim. Part of him was angered, indignation that was stirred upon what Burk had done to Trixie. What many political friends may have ensued into as well. The demon felt gutted, disgusted. Pratically seething. But refused to utter any emotion, swallowing them down. He leveled his eyes to his witch companion, who contemplated every word that had been embedded into her mind. "Speaking strategically, Burk would be best to keep around. He has political insight, a better knowing on what transpires in a politician's daily life. However..." Jade elicited a pause, the slightest hesitance, then she looked to Trixie. "I would prefer that you don't continue with this connection. From now the ties are cut. Having him is a severe liability that could threaten our whole existence. As your peer I must order you to comply. Otherwise you may remove yourself from the base at once."


A buzzing blip emitted from Andras' phone, he fumbling out of the pocket of his ripped jeans. The notification on the screen was enough to alert him. "Jade... it's Maddox." The sentence alone raised her attention, Jade clambering to her feet and rounding her desk to take a glimpse at the text that was being dragged open by his fingers. "He needs a safe house." He informed.


"Give him the address, warn those that are guarding the premise. Tell him we'll meet him there." Jade stepped back, lifting her eyes back to Trixie. "To conclude this I need a decision, Trix. Will you comply or not?" Andras, all the while, worked on a response in return to politician boy's frantic text.


Andras:


47204 Lexignton Ave -- we'll be there soon.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Trixie blinked and looked at Jade, relief almost flooding her expression. "Yeah, all ties will be cut. He doesn't know how to contact me." she said, nodding to the witch. "I've only kept contact with him to survive. Knowing where the government moves is a good way to keep living. But being here, I doubt I have to worry so much about it." she said, shrugging as she glanced over at Andras. He hadn't said anything to her, other than look at her, and she was contemplating his thoughts on the full story of her history now that it was out on the table. Though, she opted not to say anything more on the matter. She sat back, letting them do as they needed, wondering if she should take her leave and possibly locate a place to hide for awhile.


--


Maddox looked at his phone, immediately deleting the message after committing it to memory. He spun on his heel, and raced out the front door, not bothering with his car. He needed to hide. Not only from the shadows, but from his father as well. He pulled out his phone, checking his calendar, and a smidgeon of relief helped him breathe easier for the moment. Both his parents were out the state on business, or at least that's what they told people. He knew they were on vacation and wouldn't be home for two weeks. They had only left that morning. He looked from side to side, and tucked his phone back into his pocket. He headed down the street at a brisk walk until he reached someone who was climbing into their car. He jogged over, "Hey, uhm. Can I get a ride? Lexington Avenue... I left my house keys at my buddies place and he just dropped me off... I tried calling him, but he must have left his phone at home." he laughed, scratching the back of his neck. The person thought for a moment, and shrugged, "Sure. Its on the way." they said, and Maddox climbed into the car. A short drive later, he was dropped at the end of the street he needed, and he headed down the sidewalk. As soon as he came near the proper address, he turned and darted for the door.

 

[QueenofDorks]

"You're safe here, princess," Andras conveyed to her softly, the demon having turned his gaze to her as soon as multiple texts had been sent to the guards that patrolled the safe house, a little shop one of the rebels owned that had an apartment above. Below it, however, was what aided the Rebellion and many of the survivors. A basement spread wide, enough to withhold people. "No one will ever lay a hand upon you. Because, in the end, you're like the rest of us. Scraping by in a world that threatens to condemn us to life in prison or sentenced to death for simply being different." In the midst of hurrying, Jade had ceased all pratical movement on packing a bag filled to the brim with grimoires, all for intended purpose to be used to secure the permitter. There were too many spells to be used, or remembered for that matter, most that could be incorrect or cause disarray with the slightest slip up in Latin. She had stopped to gawk at the demon who had risen by now to his feet. The gentle note of his voice was a rather... shocker, albeit she didn't expect that from him. He simply didn't express such sincere endearment every day. She slung the bag upon her shoulder and headed for the door. "Keep things in order while we're gone, Trixie." She mused from over her shoulder, Andras following behind as he uttered a goodbye.


Further down the hall, away from her office, Jade glanced at her companion. "She's grown on you." She remarked, smirking knowingly at the man who remained in mere avoiding silence.


--


As soon as Maddox came bursting through the door of the shop, one older man hobbled over hurriedly. Pinching the collar of Maddox's jacket, he hauled the young politician from the doorway and slammed the door shut, barring the locks in place. Hissing shadows grappled itself underneath the crevice, popping and growling as it disintegrated against the barrier that was set in place. It was a more weaker one, however, and sooner or later they'd worm their way inside. "Maddox, right?" He urged, speaking with the slightest rich accent that belonged to any man that resided from Ireland. He jabbed one large finger at the back of the shop, by a glance around it seemed it was a Mom and Pop store for groceries. "There's a door that leads to the basement, a guard is there to escort you. Jade and Andras will be here soon, just wait." He muddled in a hurry, fleeing back to the door to flip the sign over to "closed" rather than open.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Trixie looked to Andras, and smiled, "Thanks. I'd say you don't know how much that means to me, but that would probably be inaccurate." she laughed, sighing. It eased her worried thoughts that Andras spoke with such a sincere gentleness, and she nodded when Jade told her to keep things in order. "Of course." she said quickly in response, "See you when you get back." she said, waving after them. Once they were gone, she stood in silence, pondering what she should do. She had basically just been told she was in charge until one or both of those two returned. She sighed, and finally left the study, closing the door firmly behind her. She headed back to the dining hall, hoping there were leftovers she could pilfer, as she was nearly certain that they were probably cleaning up the remnants of breakfast.


--


Maddox took a breath, nodding to the older man to confirm that he was who he was, and looked behind him toward the back of the shop. "Thanks." he said, and rushed for the door. His chest still held an aching feeling from the apparition having squeezed his soul, or whatever had happened, and he was near out of breath. He opened the door, looking at guard who stood waiting. "Yes, I'm Maddox." he said before he could be asked a second time, and followed after the guard down into the basement. When he was finally in the safety of the basement, he found a place to sit and collapsed. A shiver had settled in him, making him tremble as the true terror of his brush with death really started to sink in.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Tires squealed outside in a high pitched screech as Andras pulled to the curb. The car hadn't even been shut off, or keys twisted from the ignition, before Jade had thrown herself out of the passenger side. She scrambled against the asphalt, stumbling once and then steadied herself moments after. "Jade --" Andras' voice croaked in warning, the witch snapping her head upwards to meet the steely blue gaze a certain apparition possessed, standing not far from her but keeping a good distance from the door. It watched; observing what John's daughter had formed into. She hissed, baring fervent Latin words to wield the apparition from where it stood. It didn't budge, staring harshly upon her. "You doomed him already," garbled words came from the form, the figure finally fading and flickering to the side alley to find a way in. She pushed against the door, it opening in a fluid movement, Andras at her heels. Both clambered down the steps, Jade bursting into the cool atmosphere of the basement. She flung her bag to the demon, he grunting as he caught it, but mutely watching as she darted to where Maddox sat. She perched beside him in one fluid motion, one slender hand grasping his chin to take a good look at him. "Maddox, what happened?" She breathed out, features creased distraughtly and projecting every sign of concern for the man.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox blinked at Jade as she and the demon, Andras, practically burst into the basement room, and not moments later she sat beside him, her cool fingers grasping his fevered chin. He took a slow, deep breath. "His apparition..." he said, swallowing thickly as he calmed himself, eyes focusing on Jade's green hues. "He was angry, of course. I expected that... going to dinner with you and all." he said, nearly babbling as he was trying to gather his wits. "It... It reached inside me..." he said, touching his chest where the ethereal hand had sat within his body. "It felt like it was gripping my very soul or something. It hurt. More than I ever thought something could hurt." he said, putting that same hand to his head, pushing his hair from his face. He was ghostly pale, "I panicked. I said you had claimed your name was Sara to appease him..." he stammered, his eyes moving from unfocused terror to focusing on Jade once more. "He demanded that I press forward with the plans. To ya know... capture you and raid the mansion..." he said, waving toward the doorway absently as if motioning toward the mansion in question. "He threatened to rip what makes me... well, me." he said, shuddering. "My parents aren't home, and won't be for two weeks... but after texting Andras and practically running here... my cover is blown with that man." he said, his voice shaking as he looked toward the doorway that lead to the upper storefront and further on to the street where he knew the shadows were more than likely waiting. "I'm a dead man. I just know it. I almost died there in my garage... and if he gets in contact with my dad... we're all dead." he said, shaking his head. "Shit. I'm sorry. I messed up." he said, instinctively reaching out to embrace Jade.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Maddox's skin was fevered, hot to the touch as her fingers gingerly caressed his face. Paler than usual, no doubt about that fact, and he was scared. Skittish, even. And as his hand moved to press to his chest, pratically motioning to what had slithered and clutched mercilessly at the old soul he possessed, she frowned. It had nearly killed him, something the witch rather not see be bestowed upon the man. In his past life he had suffered a previous death, he couldn't fall to another one. She wouldn't allow it. As his arms reached her for an embrace, Jade wordlessly allowed it. Her arms wrapped around him, holding him close in a near comforting hug. "We both fucked up, Doxie. It's not only your fault." She admitted, nestling her chin against his shoulder. "I wasn't discreet enough. He saw me and I think witnesses noted I was a witch as I spat Latin at him." She squeezed the man one last time and then turned to the demon who lingered at the stair case, impishly wagging his eyebrows at the woman. The notion would have been amusing if it hadn't been for the timing and the current situation they had been thwarted into. "Andras, go. You need to return to the rebels at once. I'll stay to ensure Maddox's protection. If need be, move the rebellion to the motel. You know how to project the barrier?" He nodded, sliding the bag towards to her. "Don't die on me, Jade. I'd rather not have to raise and support a rebellion on my own." He remarked, ember eyes sliding to Maddox next. "Take care of her." After, he climbed the stairs again as he uttered his goodbyes and good luck.


Jade shifted away from the politician to grasp the grimoires out of her bag, scattering in front and flipping the covers open. "Do you feel sick? Any damage from... him reaching into your soul?" She prompted with concern, crouching over the old literature to find various forms of protection spells to reinforce the barrier of the shop and perhaps one that could be elicited upon Maddox himself.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox sighed as she spoke, the feeling of having her there seeming to calm his nerves far better than merely being away from his home, his car, that had nearly been his grave. He nodded to Andras, "I will..." he said softly as the demon departed and Jade began littering the area in front of them with books. He blinked, mentally checking himself over, and shuddered. "No... I think... I think I'm okay. Shaken, and a little feverish, but that might be from my mad dash out of my house. I don't know." he said, shaking his head. "My chest still hurts, but it's dulled since he released me." he explained, sighing heavily. "So, wait... he really did reach into my soul?" he asked, his scattered thoughts grasping at whatever he could. He shook his head, "Damn it... that's not something I'd like to test again..." he murmured, pressing his hands to his face. He was beginning to fully calm, the shock and terror ebbing away from clouding his mind so that he could gather his thoughts about him. He took a deep breath, "What do we do?" he asked softly.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jade hesitated, wavering at his question that echoed her words of concern. Her fingers skillfully glided across the worn and torn pages, the witch bobbing her head in a nod. Suppose she couldn't conceal the truth either. She settled back to sit and sighed, a drawn out exhalation that seemed tired. "You have a soul of a man that died decades ago. A man that had once been my husband; Edwin. You are a reincarnation of him. Which is why we both share that sense of familiarity with each other." She explained, voice soft as she spoke. Nostalgic and gentle, handling her words with care to not entirely frighten him with the fervent amount of details she was applying. She returned to the grimoires, ocean green eyes casting over the Latin spells that were listed in separate sections to not be entirely confusing to what it intended to do for those that uttered the words. "This morning... when I read your palms, I saw his death. Felt his last thoughts. The pain that ebbed from his body as he passed on. All within brief seconds. That's why I cried." She lifted her head to meet his gaze, hoping she hadn't lost him entirely to what she was saying. It was certaintly a lot to take in, something she hadn't even quite grasped it herself. "I don't doubt my father will use you against me in any way possible. Which is why I need to form a barrier to wield any harm from you. With such an old soul he could easily control you, he's a necromancer after all -- one to raise and control the dead. You may not be physically dead but your soul was at one point." She scattered out the rest of contents that remained within the bag, herbs and oddly colored liquid that was capped within jars. Her witchiness peaking through as she set to work on conjuring a concoction that would render him to be protected under her magic. A concoction he would, sadly, have to drink.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox stared at her with disbelief as her words seemed to settle into his mind. He was her long dead husband? No, that wasn't right. He was a reincarnation. A new life, but the same spirit. More or less. Wasn't that the way it was explained? His brows knitted together as he tried to grasp what she was saying. It wasn't entirely a long shot, as their world was full of supernatural beings that shouldn't normally exist. Why would reincarnation be any different? Aside from the fact that he was just told that his soul was once married and in love with Jade. That was an eye catcher if there ever was. Then there was the palm reading in the hotel room. That certainly explained why Jade had reacted so. She had just witnessed her dear husband's dying moments. So that explained the familiarity, the nickname he had uttered, and the name she had muttered in her half sleeping state just that morning. Then sank in the possibility of being controlled by John Ashford, and that certainly terrified him far more than he cared to admit. He didn't want to bring harm to Jade, or to the rebellion, of his own volition or not. Though a second thought came to mind, and a ghost of a smile crossed his features. "Does that mean I can call you that nickname you had asked me not to say?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice as he tried to find something somewhat funny to cling to in the mess of terror that threatened to swallow him and stifle his breathing. He looked down at the various things she produced from her bag curiously, "What's all that for?" he asked.


--


Trixie had gone from the dining hall, her belly full, to the outdoors. Her daily ritual. A nice flight in the air to work off that mornings meal. She let her wings unfurl and into the air she went, circling lazily, but not straying to far in case she was somehow miraculously needed in the mansion below. She soared happily, feeling as though a weight had been lifted from her chest having finally told someone, anyone, about what her life had been before now. What made it even better was that she hadn't been cast out of the mansion for it. Rather, she had been accepted, and acknowledged. Something she thought she never would have received. She smiled to herself as she circled back around, spotting the returning vehicle that must have been Andras and Jade. "That was quick." she murmured to herself and leaned into a dive, aiming to land just near the car when it had parked.

 

[QueenofDorks]

The silence that consumed the basement's atmosphere was rather unnerving. Jade wasn't the least bit sure what to expect as a response from Maddox. Though, she could only hope it was one that didn't pin her as crazy. That she had only conjured such lies in her belief of what she assumed as true. In the long minutes of quietness she uncapped a jar, a reeking smell flittering into the air. She plucked several differing herbs and crushed them, expelling the remnants into the liquid that smelt like death itself. Her hurried motions ceased, stopped by his amusingly induced comment to lighten the situation. She raised her eyes back to him, a smile tugging at her lips. "If you wish to... then yes, I suppose you may." She mused, granting the politician permission to utter her nickname as much as he desired. At his question she laughed, weakly. "A spell. A potion of sorts. You're gonna have to drink it though. As disgusting as it may taste." Hands gingerly lifted up the jar and offered it to him, expect not entirely handing it over. "Spit," she instructed, calmly patient.


--


The car squeaked to a sudden stop, Andras yanking the keys from the ignition and climbing out with agitation. His eyes casted towards the forest, pinpointing the lingering shadows of one of John's many minions. It merely stared, watching. Hidden amongst the trees. He supressed a shudder and instead looked towards Trixie as she landed. "Inside. Now. It's best not to be lingering outside at the moment. I'll explain inside." He urged, his hand grasping her own in a fervent mood as he began for the doors of the mansion. He only paused to bark orders to the patrolling guards, instructing them to increase those on duty. To keep a spectrum of watchers and to alert if anyone came. Once within the front hall of the base he released the nephlim, grasped a breath, and dove into frantic details of what had ensued.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox's nose wrinkled at the smell that permeated into the atmosphere, looking at the jar as Jade held it out, and instructed him to spit. He sighed, sucking on his tongue for just a moment until he had a portion of saliva in his mouth. He spit into the proffered jar, wincing as the smell was strong and disgusting. "At least I can trust you. I'll stomach it if you think it will help." he said, shuddering at the prospect of drinking whatever concoction she was creating. The alternative was worse by far, so he'd comply willingly. He gave her a weak smile, color finally beginning to return to his paled skin now that he was calmer.


--


Trixie blinked, obviously confused by his statement, and yelped slightly as she was tugged toward the mansion and through the doors as Andras barked orders. She shuddered after his frantic explanation, and shook her head. "We can't go to the motel. That day I found Andras and he came with me to the base... he was being watched by those things. I just assumed they were trick Jade had set up until we had done more with the motel." she said with a shrug, frowning. "We're sitting ducks here though. Now that Maddox is busted, John will search out the next person with enough power to send a raiding party after us." she said, looking at the demon. "We'll have to find a different place to hide if we're going to keep safe." she said, frowning. "What are we going to do?" she asked, a fear settling on her chest as she looked at Andras. She had only just begun to feel like they were safe there, only to be thrown into the unknown with the situation caused by Maddox.

 

[QueenofDorks]

As soon as Maddox's spit had joined within the liquid contents of the jar, she wrung the cap back on and shook it up for good measure. Her hands tightly clutched the glass, eyes easing closed as she uttered Latin words to aid the protection barrier a bit more better. Then she popped the cap off once more and handed it back over to Maddox. "I can't assure the results. I never had to quite use this protection spell. So we can only hope that it wields away any harm that comes to pass upon you." She rose to her feet and eased over to where a mini refrigerator was tucked in the corner. The basement was spacious, converted to fit home utensils and a single corridor that was lined with small bedrooms, hidden behind the closed doors. She retrieved a bottle of Coke, slipping back into the spot at his side. "To rid of the horrid taste afterwards." She mused, smilingly briefly at him.


--


Andras raked his hands through his hair, fingers pratically clawing against his scalp as he leaned distraughtly against the doorway of the front hall. Rebels had lingered, eavesdropping upon the conversation at hand. But they were merely shooed away with an evened glance. He looked to Trixie who, despite her playful nature, was expressing the same fear many would feel today. The inevitable burden, at once, heaved upon his shoulders and he felt sick, a knot twisting into his aching stomach. "I don't know what to do, Trix," he whispered, admitting defeat to the situation. "The guy that aided us this mansion -- he's a politician, one who agrees with our movement. I can contact him, see if he possesses any properties we can dwell in for the mean time. It's a long shot, one I'm not even sure could work but.. it's worth a try, right?"

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox looked at the concoction, wary, and sighed. "It's just like taking medicine, right?" he laughed, and looked at Jade, raising the jar as if toasting to something. "Down the hatch." he sighed, and put the jar to his lips. He tilted his head back, downing the rancid liquid as quickly as he could. After swallowing all of it, he lowered the jar, coughing, and gagging slightly. Involuntarily, he made a face, showing just how disgusting the taste had been, and reached for the coke. He twisted off the cap, and downed a good portion of the bottle before sighing and looking at Jade once again. "I hope I never have to drink something that disgusting again." he laughed, shaking his head. He sighed, visibly relaxing, the dull ache in his chest all but nonexistent.


--


Trixie bit her lip as she watched Andras deflate under the pressure of the situation. She reached out to him, sliding her arms around him and hugging him in a comforting manner. "Worth a try." she said softly, an idea occurring to her. "Or there's Burk. I know I agreed to cut ties with him, but I don't have to be the one to talk to him." she said, stepping back to look at Andras. "No one would expect him to be hoarding supernaturals, and he's plenty of spare property." she explained, her eyes shifting to the floor. "There's a variety of nymphs and things that he protects in return for keeping his home and lands tidy. It wouldn't be hard to get a safe house out of him." she shrugged, "Only saying." she added quickly, frowning.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jade stiffled her laughter by compressing her lips together, suppressing the slightest impish grin that drew at his mouth as she observed the crinkling expression of disgusted that was plastered to his face. She tidied up her bag, sorting the jars and herbs back inside. The grimoires, however, remained out. She picked up one and flipped through, looking for the 'R' section to see if anything surfaced about reincarnation. "Can't promise that you won't have to. Some of my potions follow the same recipe of disgust as that one had. You would not want to touch any of the healing potions if you were even the slightest bit acknowledgeable of what was put in as ingredients." She quipped to the politician beside her, thumbing a page as she briefly read the given statement about reincarnates. "Are you feeling a lot better?" She asked, lifting her gaze a little to peer at him.


--


Andras welcomed the comforting warmth of the nephlim's hug, his arms sliding to settle around her waist. He traced his fingers across her sides, down her hips; the motion repeating itself. His eyes drew, alerted, to gaze at Trixie. A ripple of minor of disgust swept its way inside him, lodging within his chest. "And how exactly do you expect Burk to take us in? He barely knows me, let alone probably has heard much about the brewing rebellion. I doubt he will lend a hand without getting something in return." He scowled, bitterly recalling upon Trixie's words. The recountered a story of what had transpired from the deaths of her parents, none that she had been too keen about. "I'm not going to let him lay another hand upon you. I hope you do realize that," he murmured to her, arms tightening slightly around her.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox glanced at Jade, a smile on his lips as he nodded to her question. "Much." he said lightly as he lifted the coke to his lips once more and took a swig, a lingering taste of the potion still on his tongue. He shuddered at the thought of any more potions such as that one, but sighed, "Have to do what you have to do, I guess." he shook his head, chuckling. "What exactly is the potion supposed to do, anyway? I mean, like... what harm is it supposed to keep away?" he asked, his curiosity piquing. He had already said how the supernatural had always intrigued him, and there wasn't anything pressing that he had to leave for. In fact, he was probably able to call himself a captive without really being one. Refugee, perhaps was the better term.


--


Trixie blinked as she felt his arms tighten just so around her, and a warm smile spread on her lips. That was certainly a reaction she hadn't quite expected from the demon. She shrugged slightly, "He knows of the rebellion, sort of, and he knows that he'd lose his foothold of power if anyone were to find out that he wasn't dealing with supernaturals like he was supposed to." she said, trying to think of a way they could get Burk to let them use the vast properties she recalled him having. "When it comes to a hideout, he's usually pretty easy to bully. So long as we've got something against him that he doesn't want anyone knowing." she said, and frowned, shaking her head. "What about..." she mused, leaning against Andras as she thought, and grinned. "There's a bunker. An old, run down army base." she said, nodding, "It's a few miles north, northeast from here. I remember seeing it during some of the time I take to fly. It looks like it's been abandoned for years." she explained, smiling.

 

[QueenofDorks]

"It's supposed to keep any physical harm away. If someone attempted to stab you, the barrier your body withholds now will deflect it. Perhaps inflicting the wound upon the attacker him or herself." Jade explained absently, having remembered the potion's description from within the grimoire. Her fingers scraped urgently against the torn papers, the parchment fluttering underneath the harsh grasp; threatening to tear any further as she scanned the book's literature, albeit noting the utter lack of useful Latin that didn't aid her in any way that indicated any more about reincarnations. She dragged a hand across her face and settled back against the cement wall.


--


Andras stiffened up at the thought of a bunker. One that had been abandoned for years. Why hadn't he thought of that particular place? He passed it on numerous occasions either through a daily walk or driving by on the looping roads that laid out wide enough to see into the thinning forest. Compared to the idea of Burk, he'd rather take the shot of this one. "That's a much better idea. Start gathering everyone, we leave today to take residence within the base." He instructed, relinquishing a squeeze upon her, gently gripping upon her hands. Then he was pulling away, wedging the distance between the two.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox nodded, honestly surprised by it, but figured she knew better than he did about potions and spells. He peered at the book she poured over, recognizing the words as Latin, but unable to read it. It was all mumbo jumbo to him. He glanced from the book, to Jade, as she passed a hand over her face and leaned back. "What is it you are looking for?" he asked curiously, leaning back against the wall as well, their shoulders touching. "I can't understand a fragment of the words in that book." he chuckled, shaking his head as he took another sip of the coke. He held it out to Jade in offering, in case she wanted a drink as well.


--


Trixie nodded, releasing her hold on Andras just as he did. "Got it. Though, how will we move without the shadows seeing where we are going?" she asked curiously, knowing they needed to cover every angle if they wanted to keep safe. "I don't suppose we have some were-mole or something that could just dig us a tunnel?" she joked, trying to lighten the mood a little, but sighed. "Anyway, we can probably discuss that while everyone is getting their things. I'll have them all meet up in the dining hall, suitcases packed and ready." she said with a grin, saluting Andras before dashing off through the halls to inform everyone to get ready to move out.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jade tilted her gaze to Maddox as their shoulders brushed against each other, the witch just now dually noting how close they sat together. Her fingers eased loose strands of hair behind her ear, one hand moving afterwards to close the cover of the ratty book. "I wanted a better understanding of reincarnation. What I'm dealing with, if there's certain affects when someone holds a soul of a past live." She paused and gingerly took the coke he offered out to her, eliciting a long sip of the bubbling soda. Then she handed it back over. "But, so far, it seems my grimoires don't quite offer such info upon the matter."


--


Andras abandoned the front hall for the dining room, most rebels having remained to get a good heads start on the menu for lunch. Unbeknownst to them, their wouldn't even be time for that. They needed to flee, just in the off chance John decided to manipulate some other poor politcian who would then call a raid upon the mansion. They were even more of sitting ducks while rebels had to hurriedly pack all their belongings as the news soon spread throughout. He told those that had cooking duty to forget it, that they needed to prepare and pack up to leave. He watched mutely as they fled through the doorway, alone for once. He plopped down into one of the chairs, scowering his brain as ideas began to formulate on how to keep everyone safe. Albeit waiting for rebels to jointly enter with belongings, hastily packed suitcases and children that would cling to their parents, pondering over what was wrong.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox nodded, taking the soda back, and settling it on the floor beside him. He sighed, "It's odd." he said with a shrug, "To think I'm a reincarnate of your late husband." he added to explain his first statement. He leaned his head back against the wall, looking up at the ceiling, "Do I look anything like him? Or act like him at all?" he asked curiously, glancing sideways over at Jade. "I don't mean to pry. You don't have to tell me, if you don't want to talk about him." he said softly, smiling at her. Another thought occurred to him, and he chuckled, "I guess our picnic at the botanical gardens needs a raincheck." he commented, shaking his head.


--


The entire building was buzzing with people getting their things together, Trixie was running around and making sure they were only grabbing what was essential to them. She had already run down to her and Andras' room, throwing her suitcase together again, and taking the liberty to locating a bag and shoving things for the demon into it. She figured he was to busy making sure everything was going as smoothly as possible to think about needing his own bag. Once she was certain everyone had collected their bags and had moved to the dining hall, she followed after, both hers and Andras' bags trailing behind her. She pushed through the crowd to Andras and gave him a small smile. "We're all ready. I packed you a bag as well." she said, holding his out to him. "You're our leader. What next?" she asked, her voice calm and soft, trying to be reassuring to the man.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jade settled back against the wall, it slightly discolored from the peeling wallpaper it possessed. She had moved aside the books, rather than focus the intent on scouring them aimlessly to only reach failure. The slightest laugh discharged from the woman as she heard him speak against the oddity of it all, she raising her eyes to peer at him softly, head shaking. "Oh, no. You certainly don't look like Edwin." She mused, her lips quirking to allow a smile. Her fingers brushed against the tattoo initials upon her right wrist, one for her husband and the other of her daughter. The déjà vu feeling had ebbed slightly from the witch, now finally confronted with the knowledge that this man, sitting beside her, was the reincarnation of another she loved long ago. "Though, you do share some quality characteristics. The stammering, the need to fill in any silence. The pointless stories... that's something he had. That carried onto you." She wrapped her arms around herself, a drawn out sigh leaving her. She shrugged, "Suppose we'll have to reschedule the picnic some other time. I think we might have to make it more of a private date, considering my father most likely is in upmost rage at everything."


--


The dining hall was a swarming sea of rebels, chatter loud and rumors spreading at ease. Children cried to be only silenced moments later by their coddling parents. This wasn't what Andras signed up for entirely. Jade, on the other hand, could most certainly assure a crowd into peaceful action. Not him, not a demon that had only joined to the cause because his best friend needed him. As Trixie came into view, holding a suitcase and a bag, one that was held out for him to take. He uttered his thanks, relaxing just for a brief moment at the tone of her voice. Then he was reminded of the role of a leader he had taken upon. He raised his eyes to the crowds, "Those that withhold the power of magic," he addressed sternly, heads turning to watch with wide eyes. "As we leave the building I must ask you form fire or of any source of light to wield the shadows away. We deal with a threat of a necromancer that knows every little aspect of us, that threatens to have the government raid our base and overturn any supernaturals or information within. That is why we must leave." Silence hushed over the mass of people, his voice being the only one that echoed throughout the premise. He slung the bag over his shoulder, heaving the weight of clothes and the miscellaneous stuff that laid within. "We need to stick together, Jade left me in possession of a barrier spell -- one that I have frequently practiced before --, and as long as everyone stays close we can get there all in one piece without the apparitions following us. We head out now." He pushed past people, towards the wide double doors to lead them outside. He only hoped that all things went well, without any casualties or injuries in the process of moving them.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox smiled, chuckling, "I should have guessed that I didn't look like him. You probably would have had a completely different response to my appearance when we first met if I had." he said lightly. He shifted, looking down just as Jade caressed the initials on her wrist, and that action alone confirmed whose initials those were. The other set, he opted for assuming must have been a child. "I'm alright with a private date." he said with a smirk, and shifted, sliding an arm comfortingly around the witch. "Candle lit dinners. I'd suggest out under the stars, but that would probably be more danger than we want." he chuckled sarcastically. He fell silent for a short moment, and then opened his mouth to speak again. Realizing that she had been correct, he didn't take well to silence. Not without something to fill that silence. The thought made him laugh before he could say what he had intended, and he passed his free hand over his face. "So, how long are we going to hide out down here?" he asked.


--


Trixie gave him an apologetic smile, it being clear that he wasn't willingly charged with the leader position, and it certainly made him uncomfortable. When he had finished speaking, and headed for the doors to take the lead, she smiled. "Alright, you heard him. Lights up, everyone." she said with a smile, and began passing around the large group. "We can do this. We've been on the run for as long as we all can remember, right? We've done this before, and we can do it again." she said lightly, forcing herself to sound confident, walking with her back straight and her shoulders up. "Kids in the center, adults on the perimeter. Like animals do." she laughed, resting a hand on every passing person's shoulder. A soft, white glow emitted from her hand, and if Andras cared to study it, he'd notice people seemed to be calming, the fear and restlessness ebbing away from those she made contact with. Angelic magic. She kept smiling, and when a small child came into her sights, crying softly in fear, she bent, lifting the child into her arms. "It'll be okay, kid. Your momma and daddy will keep you safe. So will everyone here." she said softly, her voice soothing, and the child's tears quickly fell to mere sniffles. She set the kid down, and turned, smiling. "Let's get out of here." she said and followed after Andras.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jade jutted her gaze towards Maddox, her sea green eyes rolling at the evident smirk as he agreed to the idea of a private date. Though, that didn't stop her from leaning into his half embrace. Her arms unraveled from herself to settle comfortably around him instead, head nestled against his shoulder. "You really are playing on my whole soft spot for romance y'know. Suggesting a picnic, now candlelit dinners... you're going to be the death of me, Doxie." She murmured, laughter falling from the witch. A grin twitched at her mouth, only briefly before it faltered at his question. She settled her gaze upon his face, working around the surfacing thoughts. "I suppose whenever it's all clear. Grim will tell us," she assured, referring to the older fellow that spoke with the thick Irish accent. "I'm afraid you won't be able to return to your house in the mean time. Perhaps only to collect belongings but that's about it... you'll have to return to the rebel base."


--


This Trixie, the one that boded on confidence, her voice shrill against the murmuring groups. Assuring that they could triumphant from this, regardless of the situation they had been thwarted into. It was a side that barely peaked through since Andras had known her, let alone spent time with her. In a way, her projecting such a personality eased him greatly. He could rely on her if need be, someone that would keep everyone in place until Jade returned. If she even managed to, a thought told him she wouldn't abandon Maddox so soon. He noticed, from the corner of his eye, that the nephlim woman was wielding a curtain light. One that seemed to calm many, he observing as she cradled a kid within her very own arms to calm his crying. Feelings... some he hadn't quite registered in a while, sprouted within his chest. Surfacing past the flirt of a persona he possessed. He would've spoken to her, called her to his side, but alas, needed to concentrate on what little magic Jade had taught him through the time they had been together. Basic spells like the barrier one he was uttering now. He needed to keep repeating it, as in a chant. Merely because this wasn't a barrier that was to sit still for a while but rather one that needed to move to keep the following crowds protected. And that required a lot of mental focus. Shadows flickered with a hiss as soon as they exited the permitter to head for north, drawing backwards at the flames that shed any darkness from the most secluded spots to hide within. And the barrier yielded out any attacking apparitions, disintegrating as soon as the magic touched their forms; falling into piles of smoldering ash.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox chuckled, "You're fault for telling me your a romantic." he snickered at her, "And even though I said I wasn't used to romance, I'm still putting forth the effort. Even before being told I'm the reincarnate of Edwin, I still wanted to see you happy. Smiling." he said warmly. "I can stop romancing if you want me too." he suggested sarcastically, smirking at her. Though his playfulness slipped slightly when she continued to answering his question. He wouldn't be able to return home, except to get things. He thought for a moment, his mind going to his mother, but otherwise, the option wasn't a horrible one. "I think I'll manage. That house isn't exactly home anyway." he shrugged absently. "My mother was the only reason I was still living there anyway. But if I'm to get anything I own, I should do so before my parents return from their trip. And I probably should get a new phone." he chuckled, shaking his head. "Since we may be here a while, think there's a comfier place for us to sit?" he asked curiously.


--


Trixie kept herself busy, moving throughout the large procession, touching people's shoulders and speaking calmly to them. Words of reassurance flowed through her like water, boosting the morale and keeping the younger ones quiet as they marched north to the abandoned army base. She neared Andras at the lead, and let her hand rest for a mere moment on his shoulder, "I've got everyone together. You worry about the barrier. Don't worry." she said softly, hoping that would allow his mind to clear of thinking about anything but the barrier spell, and getting them to bunker. She smiled and returned to making her rounds of the procession. The last thing they needed was for someone to panic, and the younger the being, the more likely they were to panic.