{The Rebellion}

[QueenofDorks]

Giggles escaped the ginger haired woman at his toying playfulness, the smirk that dazzled across his features. Though, his sarcastic words drew her to pout and lean against him, head shaking in refusal. "No, don't stop romancing me... I would rather miss such endearing affection." She murmured, her fingers caressing his cheek with a warm look reflecting within her eyes. The motion ceased as he spoke in response to his words, the witch's face crumpling into one of guilt. She had thwarted himself into this situation, to be a confider in a rebellion that drew numerous enemies. One that had managed to worm itself out, John Ashford. And now Maddox was paying for it, having to abandon a home he grew up in to just scrape by with his life. Regardless if said home didn't quite feel like one. "You can leave a message to your mother if you want... something to assure her that no harm has come to pass upon you. That you went on vacation or something of like." She suggested, her hand slipping into his own and squeezing it tightly. Then she rose, collecting the forgotten bag, teetering upon heels that she had not even yet to rid of. Along with the dress that still adorned her appearane. "There's beds. Grim's place is mostly used as a safe house for survivors that can't quite reach the rebel base." She briskly explained as she shifted out of the shoes, bare feet gliding across the cool tiled flooring as she ambled over to the single corridor that was lined with various doors.


--


Andras turned at the slightest touch of Trixie's fingers brushing against his shoulder as her hand rested just for a moment. The softly said words were welcoming, a rejuvenating reassurance that fled throughout the demon. He relaxed, mouth still moving around the chanted Latin words that had been memorized in case of such an emergency like this arose. How Jade could constantly keep so many spells on hand, embedded into her mind was still a mystery to the demon. Let alone having to pronounce the many foreign words. Reaching the army base took a total of thirty-five minutes. Most of the shadows had abandoned them by now, reluctantly given up upon following them. Though that didn't stop those wielding any source of light to keep their powers flared, alive within their hands. Now, within the premise of the bunker, he transitioned to a different spell. One that wielded a more steady barrier back over the newly established base. Afterwards he breathed out relief, shoulders slumping, and hands raising to slide across his face in exhaustion.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox shook his head, "It'd be better if I not leave a note. I may love my mother, but it's been clear for years now, she only loves my father's money." he said with a scoff. "She may have cared for me once, when I was small, but that doesn't exist any longer." he shrugged, climbing to his feet. He smiled at her as they walked toward the hall that was lined with doors. "So much of this city my father knows nothing about. It's entertaining, honestly." he laughed as they searched out a room they could sit together and talk in. He bit his lip for a moment, considering a question, sitting himself on the edge of the bed that was found in the small room. "Could I ask about the other set of initials there on your wrists?" he asked, glancing over at Jade.


--


Trixie set everyone to jobs of making the bunker livable, whatever their jobs having been in the mansion still the same, only in a different location. Only a few asked why she was telling them, and she merely quipped back with the fact that Andras had just saved their asses and was probably tired from weaving the barrier spell. "If you've got a problem with it, keep it to yourself. We're all on the same side here." she sighed, shaking her head. Once everyone was working together to establish a bit of a living space, she wandered to locate Andras. She smiled warmly at him, and shook her head at his tired looking posture. She stepped over to him, her hands folded behind her back. "You did good, ya know." she said with a small laugh. "You kept us safe, and got us here unscathed." she added, bumping her shoulder against his own in a friendly manner. "Wanna find a quiet corner and rest? I told everyone to just take up whatever duty they had back at the mansion. If anything needs to be changed, you can deal with it later or something." she informed him, her tone still gentle and smooth.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jade settled in on the bed, she wriggling backwards till her back was nestled against the wall. It was a twin mattress, small to accommodate the tight premise of the room but comfortable enough for a rebel to have a good nights sleep. She paused at his question, suddenly silent. Her eyes did not meet his gaze, instead focused upon the crumpled sheets they sat on. "I had a miscarriage." She stated after several long minutes, the witch frowning. "Thalia was supposed to be our daughter's name, one that we both had decided upon before Edwin left for the war. But... after his death there was too much grief, stress. I couldn't handle it and it affected the baby." She lifted her head, peering at Maddox. "I relied much on Andras during that time. Without him I'm not quite sure what might have transpired in my state of grieving."


--


Andras turned his head to address Trixie with his gaze, a warm smile spreading out across his tired features. A chuckle discharged from him at the slightest bump of their shoulders, "Resting would be great about right now. Those spells are a freaking mouthful. It's insane." He swept out another sigh from his mouth and stretched out his arms above his head. Then, as he began to settle them back down, he instead wrapped them around the nephlim in a hug. "Thank you for helping, Trix." He murmured, his words coated with gentle gratitude -- the demon quite meaningful by that one simple sentence. He withdrew backwards after a few moments and straightened his posture, feet easing across the ground and towards the bunker to find a secluded place within to rest.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox frowned, so he had been right. It had been the initials of a child. "I'm sorry." he said softly, reaching over to rest his hand over hers, his fingers squeezing her hand slightly in sympathy. "I don't know what it's like to lose a child, but I can attempt to understand." he said, trying to smile softly. "Thalia was a good name. It's pretty." he noted, nodding his head. "I bet she would have been a heartbreaker if she took anything after you." he laughed softly, "You're beautiful, and they say girl's take after their moms." he added, and moved his hand, laying across the foot of the bed. He was on his back, so his feet sat comfortably on the floor, and turned his head so that he could look at Jade.


--


Trixie laughed softly, "I'm sure it's crazy. Those spells. Having to remember all those words and things." she joked lightly, "Not like angelic magic. It's a blood thing." she shrugged, moving after Andras, reaching for his hand as they walked. They meandered through the base, and eventually found a room that looked to be like an old officers room. "This should work. You are an officer of our army, aren't ya?" She joked lightly, ducking into the room and looking around. There was no furniture, but it was a roof over their heads. "Good thing I'm used to being on the run." She said, setting her suitcase down and opening it up. She dug through the tightly packed items, dislodging quite a few things before pulling a flat thing of plastic out of the very bottom, and a hand held bike pump. "Air mattress on the go. Handy, huh?" She asked with a wink.

 

[QueenofDorks]

A faint smile pulled at her lips, Jade squeezing his hand in return as he grasped it to offer his sympathy. "It's alright," she assured him. "It was hard. Still is but not entirely, I can handle it now." She watched as he adjusted himself upon the bed, more into a lounging position than a sitting one. Her mouth widened just slightly at his musing words, the woman actually considering them. She shook her head, albeit chuckling at the same time. "A heartbreaker that would inherit her mother's heritage of being a witch. Boy, she would've been a handful." She commented, her thoughts consumed with the various what ifs if everything had gone right, if Edwin had survived and Thalia had been born. After a moment she moved, maneuvering to lay beside him and drape her arm across his chest, head nestled beside his shoulder. She didn't say a word, merely enjoying the warmth that radiated from his body.


--


The minute they entered the officer's room Andras slung off the bag he had been shouldering, and dumped it onto the floor. Dust scattered, having clogged up in numerous crevices by the lack of tenants within the base itself. The whole base itself was worn down, perhaps it had been once sturdy but that was years ago. The place had been untouched, save for most graffitied words, until their arrival. Mutely he watched as she pulled out a folded up air mattress from the bottom of her bag, few other items having fallen in the process m. "Incredibly handy. Which reminds me, I'll have to make some calls in to get furniture up here tomorrow. Not many will enjoy having to sleep on floors for so long." He mused, twisting out his phone from his pant pocket. "Although it will take out of the money that we're supplied with for food..." He pauses, skeptical at both surveying thoughts. Then shook his head. No, he would wait instead. He needed a more proper opinion from Jade; she was the leader, not him. Perhaps in her absence but he'd rather not decide such heavily weighed decisions. That was the witch's job. His fingers worked across the screen as they worded out a text to Jade, informing her they had moved as a precaution against her father's desire of a raid against the rebellion.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox glanced toward Jade as she moved, though it was only his eyes that followed her. He smiled slightly, and settled an arm around her to help give her head a little more support, his hand resting over her waist. His mind searched for something else to talk about, mostly looking to keep his mind off of what had transpired between him and John. The meeting that had thrown him off track, putting himself, and the rebellion at risk. He had to think of something to tell his father, or have the entire police force looking for him. But what would he tell his dad that would convince his parents to leave him alone. Photography... There's that... he thought, chuckling, "So, trying to think of stories to tell my parents to keep from searching me out... I guess I can just leave them a note and a paper trail that shows I left the state or something pursuing my dream of photography." he said off handedly.


--


Trixie took the time that Andras was on his phone contacting Jade to get the air mattress ready, a thin sheet covering it, and a single, small pillow that looked to be a throw pillow off of someone's couch. She went over to Andras' bag, digging through the things she had packed from him and produced a blanket that was just large enough to cover them both. "It won't do if the nights get horridly cold, but it's something." she said with a shrug, and tossed it over the mattress. She collected the items that had spilled from her own suitcase, getting them back into their places in the bag before carefully flopping herself onto the air mattress. She was fairly tired as well for running her angelic magic as long as she had, but it was nothing compared to what Andras looked like. She peered over to him, "Come on. Let's take a nap. Everyone will be fine for now, and we can discuss further with Jade when she and that politician boy get here, hmm?" she said with a smile, patting the mattress beside her. "You can have the pillow. I'll just use you." she laughed, smirking.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jade nestled in against his side, his warmth comforting, near consoling. She was quite content at this very moment, despite the shadows that lurked outside the building in wait. She sensed them, their clawing attempts to get within, stubborn as ever. Certainly she possessed her father's stubbornly determination, no doubt about it. Looks, however, not as much. The only other thing she inherited from John was his magic, it thrumming in her veins since she was a mere child. It was only when his voice pierced her thoughts when she then realized she had nearly lulled asleep, the silence having eased her to recognize how tired she had become. "You could... as long as it avoids a manhunt for you I don't see why not. The police wouldn't really react to such extremes. Who hasn't heard of a politician's son abandoning all he knows to pursue his dream? It's rather common..." She murmured, her eyes flickering to address him with a prying gaze. "Although. If my father gets a hold of yours, such a story won't benefit you. You'd be a labeled a traitor, exiled to live amongst us supernatural scum." The slightest twinkle of her phone, alerting of a text, caused her to move from his arms with a groan and lean from the bed to wriggle the device from her bag. For a few minutes she remained poised, leering off the bed, registering the message. Her fingers eased across the screen to reply before tucking the phone back into her bag. "Andras moved the rebellion to an army base. I have the address, thankfully, so when it's all clear we can move out."


--


Reluctantly Andras forced himself to tuck away his phone into his pant pocket, avoiding the smallest blip as Jade returned a reply. As much as he desired to read the text, really now wasn't the time to be spent hashing things out over phones. He needed her ASAP. He only hoped she, and Maddox, would arrive soon. For once, the demon looked drained. Tired, as if all emotions had deteriorated from him. It was odd, not even a sporting smirk managed to surface as she laughed. His mouth instead securely pressed into a constant frown. He crawled onto the bed, only pausing to settle himself and grab hold of the thin blanket. Curling up on his side, facing the nephlim, he wearily gazed at her with his ember eyes. Then, wordlessly he reached out and bunched his arms around her waist, swaddling her close into an embrace of affection and desire of comfort. His face nuzzled against her shoulder, eyes closed and held tight. He remained quiet, shoulders slumping as the weight of everything slipping from him, easing to relax and indulge in the moment he had now with Trixie.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox sighed, "I'm not sure what else to leave them without triggering a manhunt for me and my supposed captors. We may just need to deal with John within the two week reprieve we have of them being out of the country." he said, frowning. He waited for her to respond to whatever message she had received, surprised to hear about the move in rebel base location. Then again, that was a better idea that staying where they could be found. "And you aren't scum, Jade. None of the supernaturals are. Unless we're specifically talking about people like your father, and those like him." he shrugged, smirking, but the look quickly fell. A phantom ache still remained within his chest over the encounter that had nearly cost him his life, and it wasn't one he was keen on happening again. "An army base? I wonder if it's the old abandoned one. I used to hangout there in high school. A bunch of kids did." he chuckled, shaking his head.


--


Trixie blinked when Andras had rather suddenly wrapped her in his arms and held her close, his head on her shoulder. A small smile touched her lips, that of a caring lover almost rather than a mere beneficial friend. She took a slow breath, letting it out quietly as she slipped her own arms around Andras comfortingly. "You gonna be okay?" she asked softly, settling herself in the demon's arms. It was nice, and the accompanying feelings were most definitely welcome. Though part of her wanted to move, wanted to escape the embrace. "It's gonna be alright. I'm sure of it." she said with a smile, a small glow emitting from her palms, "Let's rest now, and deal with things later. It's better to be fresh." she spoke softly, far more care in her tone than she had meant to reveal, but she didn't let it falter her. She let the magic flow through her to help the demon lull to sleep before letting it fade, closing her eyes as well. I'm getting to involved. This isn't going to end well. Never does. She thought softly, mentally shaking her head at herself. I've only been around him a few days. This is insane, Trix. You're just clinging because he's been so nice. Get a grip. She mentally scolded herself, and then shoved the thoughts out of her mind so that she could rest as well.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jade moved back, settling against his side once more with a heaving sigh from her mouth. "I'm not quite sure how we can deal with John. You still aren't aware of where he even is. Your father has yet to discuss even such details with you which leave us at a loss. If we had a location we could work a plan from there, figure out how to get me inside, how to deal with this madness." She didn't seem all too keen on his smirk this time around, not that she noticed either way. It quite wasn't the time to toy with humorous banter, induced with smirks and coy smiles. She squared her shoulders together, gazing up at the ceiling rather than Maddox who laid beside her. Silence ebbed its way into between whatever conversation they had held between them, she indulging in the moment to think. Scrounging her thoughts for something to aid them, to defeat the annoyance of her father. Alas there was nothing. She puffed out her cheeks like a child, lips curling into a frown. "It's a mess." She mumbled finally, dragging her hands over her face and groaning with utter frustration.


--


"I'll be... alright.." The dark haired demon assured, his words a sleepy slur against the skin of her shoulder. Whatever had been on his mind now, consuming and tugging at his thoughts, fear of failing Jade, of Trixie, had completely evaporated. In a sense, he could thank her angelic magic for that. He was giving into the fatigue that clung to his limbs and body. It made his mind ease into a simple blank slate, acknowledging nothing and thinking nothing. The only thing he dared to register was her warmth, he snuggling against her body to cling to such a heat source. He was already asleep, breathing peacefully without a care in the world. A smile faintly hanging at his mouth as he laid upon the blown up mattress, content on his side and both arms secured around the nephlim's form as they rested.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox sighed softly, listening to Jade speak and itching for something to fill the silence that had ebbed between them. He ran through thoughts and lists of names, trying to think of a way they could find out where John was being held, but there were still a great number of things his father wouldn't trust him knowing. Part of him wondered why, and the other part of him suspected his father already suspected Maddox from being friendly with supernaturals. Ever since the incident with the shifter from when he was younger. He frowned as he ran over the ideas and names constantly, back and forth, trying to find a connection. Yet it was difficult to ponder these things without a way to track them. His eyes snapped to Jade when she groaned, and he couldn't help the grin that tugged at his lips over her childish reaction. "It's a giant puzzle, honestly. He's here in the city, that much is obvious. We just have to figure out where." he said, spouting off whatever his mind came up with in hopes it sounded like it made sense. "Kind of like Sherlock Holmes... the great detective who was fashioned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle." he smiled, sitting up. His brows furrowed together, and a grin came to his lips. "We need a cork board, dry erase boards... something to put pictures up on and be able to wright notes. Like in the criminal shows where the FBI are putting together all they know about a case." he laughed lightly. "We can narrow down our choices of who might know where John is being held by the information your spies have dug up, or can dig up, on members of the government. I can supplement the knowledge with what I know personally, and I can help credit or discredit any information." he offered.


--


Trixie sighed when he had finally fallen asleep, somewhat glad that it hadn't taken long once she had been able to calm him with her magic. He needed his rest if he was going to be doing any leading of this place while Jade was away. Unfortunately, she wasn't tired enough to fall right to sleep. She laid there in Andras' arms, her own wrapped around him as well, thinking. Nothing specific, more broad spectrum things. Mostly trying to keep her mind off of the man who currently held her. As much as she wanted it, they had already stated numerous times this was merely friends with benefits, and it seemed that perhaps it was better that way. He had enough on his plate with being the second in command of the rebellion. That much was easy enough to see. Eventually, she was unable to sleep, and when she thought Andras was in a deep enough sleep, she wiggled her way out of his arms and off the bed. "Sleep, Andras. Everything is okay." she said softly, her hand brushing his shoulder before she stood and quietly slipped from the room. I'm not some love struck school girl. I'm a grown ass woman. I need to distance myself before I get hurt. She scolded herself mentally, moving around the army base and making sure everyone was settled in fairly well. Once she had that taken care of, she slipped out a doorway, and found a place away from everyone, but still within the protective barrier to sit and be left to her thoughts.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Sea green eyes peeked out from behind her fingers, Jade noting the grin that grew wide at his mouth. No doubtingly amused by her childish behavior. She slid her hands from her face, brows quirking as he comparing my mused of Sherlock Holmes. Alright, she had to admit. That managed to make her smile, coly simpering at the man. "Book nerd." She remarked to Maddox, a teasing tone edged into her voice. Albeit straining to suppress the slightest laughter as he rambled off the necessities they were going to need in order to collect the information. There was a minor problem in it all, however. She propped herself up on her elbows, body slouched in a lounging position, not quite laying but not quite sitting either. "But how long do you suspect that's going to take? We have two weeks before your parents return from their trip. Collecting so much information, taking precautions with my spies... it adds up a lot of time." She pointed out, the smile faltering from her lips as she squinted her gaze at him now with minor scrutiny. Wondering what he could wrack from his brain to counter assurance upon her. That they could succeed regardless of the two week timespan they have.


--


The blown up bed shifted, moving at the slightest adjustment of Trixie prying from his arms to heave herself up and onto her feet. He stirred, her absence sleepily noted. Though he didn't quite budge or wake. And perhaps that was for the best. He was a ball of mixed feelings and signals, notably known for when he was tired such as now. Sleeping was the indulging relaxation that he needed. Otherwise, most would suffer his moodiness and not many would have that. He merely moved, rolling onto his back to lay and sprawl out, enough to do so with the lack of the nephlim's presence. The only thing to warm him was the blanket, the fabric bunched up around him. It seemed he'd be in a nap for a while, physically and emotionally drained from the events that ensued mere hours ago. The worries of leading everyone having been a weight on his shoulders, one he rarely encountered during Jade's and his travels. Somehow that's where his dreams took him to, the travels shared took together over the world, over the years they had been friends. Furthering him to ease more into the sleeping state he had entered.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox frowned slightly, "Right. Two weeks..." he muttered, crossing his arms over his chest as he tried to think. There had to be some way to narrow down the search field. He pondered for a good while before his eyes adjusted back to looking at Jade. "So, let's start with the obvious. There's lots of guards and security where he is being kept. I know that much because he told me himself." he started, running through his thoughts. "It's got to be somewhere that would have some kind of effect on his abilities, since I'm wondering why he hasn't just broken out on his own to track down my father." he mused. "Is there a way to track the source from one of his shadows? Like people track cell phone signals or something?" he asked, looking at the ginger haired woman inquisitively.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jade gathered herself up to sit, legs extending out so they dangled off the edge of the bed. She hunched her shoulders, mouth curving and pressed to a considerate frown. Slowly she pieced an idea together, formulating it within her head at the musing suggestion from Maddox. She nodded, head bobbing slowly. "Perhaps... however. Those shadows are spirits, and spirits are a troublesome matter. I'd have to cast a tracking spell while one is present. Quickly, before it has even the slightest opportunity to slip away." She tapped her fingernails against the thin sheet they were perched upon, scrounging the various extended tracking spells she had memorized. Then she ceased, stiffening at a shouting voice, it rich with the same Irish accent. "Jade! You might want to get up here," Grim croaked, leering from the top of the basemt steps. The witch scrambled, fleeing the bed to exit the bedroom and climb up the stairs. Grim looked winded, antsy and on edge. He jabbed a thumb at the windows, the curtains having been drawn shut to secure any prying eyes from what was going on. Now, as she moved closer, she understood the purpose for it. Outside there was flashing lights, red and blue, police cars littering the road settled beyond the small shop. "Shit..." she breathed out, daring to peek out, quick enough to take in the number of officers that had them surrounded.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox had followed after Jade, and his eyes grew wide as he looked at the scene that laid out in front of the shop. He swallowed heavily, and looked at Jade, "That protection spell you put on me... It'll protect me from the shadows and all that right?" he asked, glancing toward the windows again. He sighed, "Never mind. I'll see what I can do to quell this." he said, and looked to Jade again. He set his hands on her shoulders, "Get out of here. Safely. Take Grim there with you." he said hurriedly, "This place has been compromised. Just go. I'll see you back in the forest when I can." he said lightly. He gave Jade a quick peck on the cheek, and looked to Grim. "Get her out of here. She's more important to the rebellion than I am." he said to the old man before turning and moving to the door. "I'll text you when it's safe." he said gently, and slipped out of the door before the witch could stop him. He strode away from the building, acting as though he were digging for his phone or something. He took a few steps, looking up and jumping. "Oh, hello. What's going on, officers?" he asked smoothly, smiling lightly.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Before Jade could have any complete say in what was to happen, a whirlwind of just one-sided decisions made by the reincarnated man. Her mouth gaped open, complete and utter at loss. Though, it finally registered in her head what he was thwarting himself into. "Maddox wait --!" She called after him, the words dying in her throat as the door slammed shut behind him. "Fuck! Idiot." The words hissed from her mouth, frustration bubbling up within her chest. She wasn't sure if that protection spell could wield away the shadows from harming him. And what if it didn't? They could get a hold of him, her father could and rip the soul from his very being. The thought filled her with dread.


"Well he seems to be your idiot." Grim insinuated, casting a side-eyed glance at the ginger haired witch. Her cheeks flared despite her attempt to not become flustered. She turned, sharply, to the guards that were snickering. Silence ended their stiffled laughter. "Go through the back door. I need to make sure he doesn't get himself killed or arrested. Both even." She strode back to the basement stairs, a step creaking with protest as she eased her foot upon it. "The rebel base has been relocated. Do not approach it. Meet up in the forest as planned. We need to keep the location concealed." That was her last response before she descended down the stairs. She found her bag, slinging it over her shoulder, and pushed towards the cellar doors that were barred, hidden behind curtains she nudged aside now. She ascended the three steps, dusting away the slightest cobweb that blocked her path or brushed against her face. After unlocking the various chains that kept from it being open, she threw open the cellar doors and emerged into the dimming sunlight. Night would be upon them soon within the next few hours. She climbed up and out into the field that laid behind the shop. The police extended to each corner of the various blocks, permanently preventing anyone from passing. She needed to draw them away to allow Grim and the guards escape. Agile, she ran. Darting out onto the sidewalk, bare feet scraping against asphalt.


The officers surrounding the front of the shop now addressed the appearance of Maddox as he emerged. They turned, and with the slightest motion of their Lieutenant Officer, they raised various guns -- all trained upon the poor young man. "Sir, keep your hands where they are. Stay still," the Lieutenant informed sharply, voice firm and steady. "We gained a report that there was sightings of supernaturals outside of the shop, some going in. Are you one of those suspected supernaturals?" He prompted, brows furrowed. Moving out of the safety of his car, he walked forward to get a better look at the politcian. He seemed vaguely familiar... Before he could even register who he truly was, a crackle on his radio drew him away. A muffled warning and then, abruptly, Jade materialized from thin air. She grabbed him, an arm wrenching around his neck, the man barely gasping for air. Fire flickered within the palm of her free hand, a warning that wielded multiple officers backwards. "Stay back or I set him aflame now. Him too," she growled, gesturing towards Maddox whom, hopefully, would play along as a hostage. "I want passage. In return I set them free. Understand?"

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox's eyes immediately snapped across each person who lifted a weapon, and he put his hands up to show they were empty. "I'm Maddox O'Connor... My father is Garret O'Connor..." he started to explain as the officer studied him, before the radio crackle, and surprise caught him at Jade's sudden appearance. A flicker of fear for Jade slipped through him, but he quickly employed that to being a successful hostage. "Wh-what?" he asked, forcing his voice to waver. He couldn't get around not knowing her, since he had taken her on a very public date just last night. "Y-you're..." he started, cutting off his words as if in fear. He looked to the officers as if searching for help, swallowing thickly. "D-Do as she says!" he said quickly, and looked toward Jade as if the devil himself stood before him.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jade casted her eyes towards Maddox as he addressed her with a stammer, a sentence that was never finished. Relief fled through her, assuring that this was going to work. He was playing along, albeit the police officer in her grasp wasn't all too keen to what was going down. No doubtingly scared shitless. She didn't blame him. She merely was just trying to get him out of here, as well as draw as many police into their location to aid Grim and the guards in their escape. Reluctantly the officers listened to Maddox. They seem to have knowledge on who exactly Garret O'Connor was. If his son didn't scrape out of this alive, they would be the ones to pay for it. The officers backed up, assembling a pathway for her to get through. "Follow," she barked to Maddox, shoving the Lieutenant forward as she began to move. "Don't even try to trail me. Otherwise I'll leave them encased in a comatose state that embeds nightmares into their heads -- over, over, and over again." This made them scramble, most alerting others via radio to not lay a hand upon the witch. Do so and they threatened the lives of two hostages. "I h-have a family..." the Lieutenant croaked out, voice feeble and weak. She wouldn't lay a hand upon him, perhaps knock him out which would leave a bruising headache but that was about it. She pushed through the crowd, skewering her eyes behind her shoulder to peer at Maddox. Keeping an eye on both of the two men.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox played the part of hesitant hostage, ducking his head down and following after Jade. He considered making remarks about his father, and how she would pay for threatening him, but most dwindled from his chest. He was fairly confident in many circles, but he had never been boastful about his father, and so doing so now might make things seem suspicious. His eyes darted around, as if searching out someway to escape, but really he was trying to keep track of the shadows. He wasn't sure how much this protection spell would protect him from, and Jade wasn't exactly sure either. The memory of the shade that gripped his soul surfaced, and he had to take a quickened breath to keep the panic on a manageable level. He was safe. He didn't have to worry about anything right this minute. They'd get out of this alive. Hopefully. They made it past all the officers, weapons being lowered and pathways being made. All the while, Maddox kept his head down and played up the hostage act.

 

[QueenofDorks]

The shadows were stirring, drawing themselves out from the nearest corners of buildings, alleyways, anything that held even the slightest shade for them to hide in. They were observing, precariously watching on how this was going to ensue. How Jade planned to escape alive, along with Maddox. It was a mystery and the spirits were interested. Jade managed to get a good enough distance from the police officers to finally make a run for it. Most of them had been told to stay back, to avoid watching the woman for the sake of the hostages. A little further ahead and she finally released the Lieutenant. He reeled backwards in surprise, regaining his evened breathing. Then he came at Jade, although she stood her ground. Her mouth formed the words to another Latin induced spell, one to make him fall unconscious. Mere minutes from tackling her he slipped, stumbled, and finally landed at her feet. Out like a light, sprawled face first in grass. She turned, grabbing Maddox's hand. "Run!" She hissed, wasting no time in escaping the confinements of the city for the over growing forest that laid outside of it.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox had made a motion to stop the officer that ran at Jade, but stopped himself as the man tripped, stumbled, and fell unconscious. His eyes darted around, and gripped Jade's hand when he felt it within his grasp. He ran, bolting for the forest that would hopefully lead them to a decent amount of safety. They'd have to find Grim, and the guards, and somehow get to the new base without being spotted. His mind reeled, there was no coming home from here. Not without having to play some game that would put him a victim of kidnapping because of his father. Maybe they could use that to the rebellion's advantage, but then again, maybe not. His father wasn't one to buckle under intimidation. He pushed the thoughts from his mind, he could assess them later. Right now, he needed to focus on getting himself and Jade to safety. The shadows were near, and they wouldn't be safe again until they were back at the rebel base.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Breathe, Jade reminded herself. Breathe. He's right here, he's at your side. Don't let go of his hand. She groped at his hand, clutching it as if her life depended upon it. In which this case, yeah. But it was also an assurance that he was still there, following behind, alive and breathing. Perhaps they had lost the officers but the same couldn't be said about the shadows. They were advancing upon them now, a hissing, clawing mass of darkened spirits that followed without hesitance as to what John had ordered them to do. They emerged from the various trees and brush that lined the outside of the city. Fading in and out, each time closer. "You doomed him, you doomed him, you doomed him --" The ginger haired witch threw up her free hand, spatting out another grueling spell. She projected it, her voice loud and clear. This one to wield away her father's minions. They stopped, distractingly confused. She skirted them, throwing herself into the forest. "Hurry!" She called to Maddox. urging him on to run faster.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox felt fear welling in his chest, but it only pushed him keep running. Keep moving. Get to safety. His mind reeled and threw at him. His hand firmly on Jade's, his eyes all but glued to her back as they rushed for the trees. He could see the shadows, almost feel their presence, and winced every time they grew closer. The ghostly feeling of his soul being squeezed by the last shadow he had encountered surfaced, and he had to work to keep his breathing from being affected. The world around them was a blur to the dark haired man, focused solely on staying with Jade, keeping their hands locked together, and not tripping over anything. His chest began to heave as the adrenaline in his system demanded more oxygen, and he pushed himself to keep running. They were in the forest now, surrounded by more shadow that he was comfortable with. The light was growing dimmer, the sun moving toward the horizon. Panic threatened to seize him, but he suffered to push it away, to keep his mind off of the shadows that seemed to be threatening his life.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Encased within the forest wasn't entirely helpful either. The shadows doubled, coming at them from all corners, most materializing. Jade kept running, focused on ahead. The meeting point for Grim and the guards. She acknowledged Madsox's winded appearance, his chest heaving for more oxygen to sustain him. She couldn't offer anything for comfort, they simply had to keep this pace up. Otherwise they'd both be dead. In the dimming sunset the shades seemed to take more shape, holding their form longer compared to during the day. Not in the least bit comforting. Abruptly her running ceased, feet dragging backwards to the nearest tree. Two shadows had advanced upon her, held within their grasp. Their ghastly hands clawed at her throat, a hissing mess of a foreign language she had no understanding of. Then, flitting from the corner of her eye, she saw the rest of the spirits crowd closer to the human man. Interested in only one thing: his soul. She knew it. She knew it and she couldn't aid him in this very moment. "Maddox, run! Do not stop!" She shouted, her words faltering as the pressure of their gripping chokehold increased. Her eyes darted to them, hoping he would listen. Now she needed to focus upon ridding of these clinging ghosts.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox faltered when Jade did, her hand slipping abruptly from his own. He snapped around to look at Jade, the shades drawing ever closer. Two holding Jade, the others racing for him. Panic registered, these were beings he couldn't fight, since they weren't physical. He was decently helpless, and there was Jade, being practically strangled by two just to keep her from fighting off these things. He was torn between staying and trying to help, and running like she said to do, but what could he do? He was only human after all. Finally he locked eyes with Jade, "You better get out of this alive. I'll see you with Grim and the others." he said, his voice wavering slightly as part of him argued to stay with Jade. To make sure she was safe. Yet he knew she'd be able to take care of herself. She'd know what to do to fight off these shadows, he assumed, and what she didn't need was to worry about protecting him. Protecting the soul of her late husband. An inopportune thought came to him, and it made him falter for a moment, but he shook himself mentally and bolted away from the area. He didn't quite know where he was supposed to go, but his best option was to keep going in the direction they had already been running. HIs feet pounded through the foliage, determined to keep himself safe. If anything for Jade, and the soul he carried.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Acknowledging the retreating sounds of his footsteps, Jade relaxed. Albeit not entirely. Considering she was still being strangled. That was something she had to deal with. With a flick of her wrist, fire came to life within her hands. It sent the shades screeching backwards, as if the flames had seared through their body. They crowded though, forming a good distance of a barrier to prevent her from running. She wasn't entirely sure if more shades had slithered after Maddox, too caught up in saving herself. She only hoped he didn't. She raised her hands, the flames flickering against the faltering sunlight. "You want me. Not him. Call off your lackeys, harm Grim and the guards in anyway possible and I flee." There was silence. The slightest whisps of whispers but that was it. Then the shadows parted, a pathway that allowed a spirit -- no, how could she even call it that? She wasn't even sure what it was. A projection of some kind? An imitation? Whatever it was, it sent chills through her body. There, strolling calmly amongst the mass of darkness, was John. He had aged since the last time they saw each other, not entirely however. Some youth look remained behind the few wrinkles that had formulated upon his features. He grinned, slowly. An expression that sent her stepping back till she brushed against a tree. "Ah. So you've already discovered the soul he possesses. The importance it means to you. Are you merely attached to him because of this? I wonder if he thinks the same thing." He drawled the words from his mouth, sly as the Cheshire Cat. He always reminded her of him, the notorious Alice in Wonderland character. She raised her head in defiance, the motion causing him to chuckle. "It's not up for discussion. You wanted to take your revenge right? Well, your spirits can't do that. Only mentally. You can though, physically. Tell me where you are, we'll come face to face again. Father."


"And what? Let you drag in a whole entire army to defend you, back you up? I think not." He tutted, jutting a pfft from his lips. He folded his hands in front of him, surveying the scene before him. His shadows, his defiant daughter. "I'd rather face you, my dear. One on one. Do you think you can play nice and comply?" There was a pause, one that made him grin just the slightest bit more. "Perhaps. As long as you leave others out of it." He nodded, bobbing his head in understanding. Though Jade doubted he would even listen to her request. Pointedly he then guestured towards the start of the forest, where police cars had skidded to a halt. Overhead helicopters scoured the area with a spotlight. Her heart pounded in her chest, fear spreading and numbing through her. "Now's your opportunity. The police will take you there, if you wish."


--


Whatever shadows that had been trailing after Maddox were long gone by now, dissipating to only to return to their master. Whom was holding conversation with his daughter. At least he had upheld to the demand of not harming anyway. For now. Grim was up ahead, the only light he supplied from the flame of a lighter. In hopes of wielding away any spirits that dared to linger. At the approaching figure of Maddox, he turned and held up the lighter to squint into the dark. "Over here, lad." He beckoned with his free hand, the guards stiffening up besides the old man. "Where's Jade?" One questioned, voice pitching with frantic. The other one seemed to understand how screwed they were, especially if the ginger haired witch didn't return with them. "Andras is going to have our freaking heads!" "Pipe down both of ye," he spat, fervently annoyed by their whining. He raised a finger to his lips, quieting the two panicking men. The whirls of helicopter blades were loud, despite being only nearby. The spotlight shrouded in one location, wavering. Shouts emerged from the border of the trees, twigs snapping and leaves crunching under heavy boots. The Irish man pivoted back on his feet, glaring at Maddox with an evened gaze. "Lad, seeing how you're our only guide, where do we go from here? Where is the new rebel location?"