{The Rebellion}

[QueenofDorks]

Andras nodded considerably at Maddox's words. That was the thing about reincarnations, they worked in the weirdest ways. And that could sometimes tangle the reincarnate in situations such as this. Where a previous loved one, acknowledgeable of the soul he or she possesses, would dote affection upon that person for who they had been in a previous life. In a way, the demon felt pity for the man. He would be stuck in this hurt for quite some time till otherwise. Till Jade regulated herself back into normal. That way the two could have a more proper conversation. But such a happening seemed far off from now. "And I think that may be one of the many reasons why she is pushing you away. Because you aren't Edwin. You never will be. Whether that is to avoid pain for herself or you, I'm not sure. I have no answer." He stated, head bobbing into a shake as he slid his eyes to Trixie. Then back to Maddox. "But you can't bury your pain either, Dox. You can't compress it because it will only make you feel worse. First things first is we aid Jade in any way possible that way she is back to 100%. Then, if that can happen, you two can do us it more together. Sound good?"

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Trixie crossed her arms over her chest for a moment, having merely listened to the conversation up until now. She sighed softly, and moved back over to Andras, letting her arms slide around him, her chin resting on his shoulder. "If that's the case, would it be conducive for him to hang around Jade?" she asked, glancing first out of the corner of her eye to Andras, and then over to Maddox. "I'm not trying to be insensitive, Dox. Don't think that." she added, lifting her head from Andras' shoulder. "I'm just saying. If you're hurting this much because she's pushing you away, consider what it's doing to her if you try and keep her from doing that. Knowing that you're the reincarnate of Edwin." she sighed, shaking her head slightly. "For her sake, until we can get her to come back, I think it'd be better if you only saw her because she asked for you. If you force her to be around, and she keeps pushing you away, then that might regress our efforts to bring her back to normal." she frowned slightly, and sighed. "Go check on her, Andras. We can pick up where we left off later." she said softly, pressing her lips against the demon's cheek before releasing him.


Maddox winced as Trixie began to speak, the realization of her words seeming to add to the crushing feeling that pressed in on him. "I'll try, I guess. Any menial labor need to be done around the base? I need to take my mind off stuff." he sighed, rubbing his hands over his face.

 

[QueenofDorks]

"Don't be surprised if she only requests to see you for the sake of being around 'Edwin' once more. It could be her way of coping and reconnecting with the world around her again." Andras forewarned to the ex-politician as he climbs from the bed to stand on his feet. He smoothed a hand across the stubble that lined his chin, contemplating various jobs Maddox could take up again in the mean time. "Head down to the cafeteria. We're down to a few rebels in there. Most are out on missions so we're down on cooks at the moment. It would be a great help, and they can show you around." He instructed, as he began to maneuver past Maddox to reach Trixie. He pecked a kiss on her lips, "I'll see you later, princess," he promised then exited the room.


The door to Jade's bedroom creaked open and heavy footsteps tapped against the tiled flooring. Then the mattress shifted beneath the added weight of Andras. The witch stilled then feigned sleep, slowing her breathing.


"Jade," the demon addressed, inclining a finger forward to poke at her shoulder, "you can pretend all you want but I know you're awake." Silence. He exhaled outwards, rolling over onto his back. His gaze casted aside and noted the untouched food that sat on the nearby desk, left behind by the previous rebel member that had been looking over the copper haired woman. "I didn't come here to pester you about what happened in the prison. You don't ever have to discuss it but I do need to know how I can help you."


"You can't," came her muffled response. The witch moved and stared blearily at the man, eyes rimmed red with fresh tears. "It's beyond Maddox."


"But he is one of the problems, yes?"


Her lips quivered, she fighting off any emotion that was threatening to seep through. Though she reluctantly gave a nod.


Andras swaddled his arms around her thin form and embrace her close. "That's enough of a start. And don't say I can't help you. I have proved you wrong so many times and I will do it again." His words managed to shake a laugh from Jade, promising enough that they surely could aid her and reconnect those emotions back into the witch.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox tensed slightly at the statement of helping in the kitchen, waiting for Andras to exit the room before showing his displeasure in that job offer. He'd already been attacked once so far, and threatened with more. Even if Jade's protection spell on his soul still worked, it still frightened him. He sighed, and glanced over at Trixie. "They aren't going to let me help cook their food. More likely they'll try and kill me with the kitchen knives." he grumbled slightly, pushing his hair from his face and turned toward the door.


Trixie smiled softly, shaking her head slightly. "Then don't cook." she laughed, moving over to the ex-politician and taking his hand. "Come on. We'll go get some food, cause I didn't see you at breakfast, or lunch." she said in a motherly fashion, pulling him from the room and toward the dining hall. "You were jumped, weren't you?" she asked softly, almost sadly as they walked down the hall.


"No. What makes-" he started, but Trixie gave him a look that said she didn't believe him. "There's a cut on the side of your neck. Not in a spot that you'd have done it on your own." she explained, sighing. Maddox blinked, then finally relented, "Yeah. They did. Jade stopped them though." he added,


Trixie shook her head, "You know I have to tell Andras. We can't have this going on in our home." she said, lips pressed together. She lead the man to the dining hall and collected two trays of food before finding an empty table for herself and Maddox to sit. "Eat. You need it." she said calmly, ignoring the rebels who were looking angrily at Maddox. One perk she'd come to love was that even though she was still new, others didn't mess with her over no reason. She smiled almost proudly when Maddox slowly began to finally eat, starting in on her food as well. "I'll help find you a solo job that we can send whatever supernatural currently doing it here to the kitchen." she smiled.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Andras spent the rest of his night taking care of Jade, and spoke to her about the mutual contemplation that he should stay in position till otherwise -- meaning, till she got better. Jade relented on the idea after some convincing, which didn't ease her mind as much as his clinging presence. Though he persisted, never budging from the chair he was perched upon, and had to send a messenger in his place to tell Trixie that he would not be accompanying her at dinner or later on to sleep. Even after Jade had slipped into her own state of blearily sleepiness, stomach full from eating the untouched food, the demon remained. He continuously wracked at his brain with an aspect of relentlessness as he contemplated what to do, how he can at least ease over the Maddox problem with the witch. It was a start, and definitely one they needed to take before pursuing the other majorly problems she subtly hinted at earlier. No doubt revolving around her father and whatever criminal plan he had up his sleeves. Still, he had to cease his thinking somewhere for the night, and ultimately fell asleep at about 1.

The Next Morning

​

Jade roused herself awake as the sun flitted into the bare window of her room, presenting itself into her eyesight. She moved her gaze to address the snoring demon from where he was slumped backwards in the chair. She hadn't expected for the man to take it upon himself to be so watchful. The witch climbed from the mattress, although tugged the blanket that she had been curled up in with her as well. Her fingers adjusted the fabric so it curled over her shoulders and around the front, shielding her from the cold that she met when she exited her room and into the hallway. Despite the earliness of the morning, there was still chatter among the base, rebels already moving about to get on with their day. She avoided it all together and swept aside into another corridor, searching for the nearest exit that would bring her back outside, whether it be for the backyard or in front of the base, all she wanted was some fresh air and to be secluded from the morning chaos that was stirring within the old military base.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox woke just before sunrise, something he had grown accustomed to in his time there at the rebel base. He dressed in his usual attire, worn jeans and plain, tattered shirt. He tied the laces of the sneakers he was unwillingly given, mostly thanks to Trixie that he even had them, and headed outside for his usual morning chore. Back to chopping wood. Winter was making its way to them, and the heater still hadn't been dealt with. Though that wasn't anyone's fault. Much had happened the day before, and there was still much to be happening as the day progressed. All Maddox hoped to do was keep himself busy and forget the pain of the day before. He sighed when he reached the stump that still held the axe, the logs and all that. "Time for work." He muttered, calloused hands gripping the handle of the axe as he lifted it so he could continue where he had left off the day before when Jade had reappeared.


Trixie, on the other hand, was still fast asleep in the bed she and Andras shared, not having the amber eyed male there to wake her as normal. She shifted in her sleep, the pillow Andras always used clutched to her chest, face hidden in it to block out the seeping light from the window. Her mind was clear of dreams, as far as her concious mind knew, though from the way she had tossed all night that wasn't the case. Worry for the demon, the witch, the human, and the rebellion in general wore on her mind. Making her sleep fitful and difficult.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jade had wandered from the interior of the base to the outer exterior, in the front yard. The few guards on duty became aware of her presence, uneasily exchanging glances with a sense of worry but pointed to one unanswered question -- should they call for Andras? They fumbled to conclude this as she abandoned the base grounds for the lurking forest, she ducking loosely underneath brush as she maneuvered her way around. The made shift shawl pulled taut around her thin shoulders, the witch pulling absently at the leaves she passed and snapping twigs in the wake of her wandering footsteps. She suddenly pressed her lips together, pursed tight, and then released a piercing shriek of a bird call from the depths of her throat. Several birds responded, and then one in particular swooped downwards to perch upon her shoulder. It preened it's brown feathers with it's beak then cocked it's head at the copper haired woman. The form of the bird shifted, stirring and flowing out into a ball of shadows, a growl baring from the oddity. She hissed, eyes flaring with a sense of the similar shade of darkness. "You know what to do," she uttered to the creature. This seemingly settled it, the shadows twisting back into the sparrow. It chirped its farewell and swooped into the breeze of freezing autumn air. She watched, head tilted back as she observed, hands clutched at the shawl to tug it close to her body. Bare feet pivoted sharply against the dirt, she moving further into the depths of the forest, aiming for only one place in mind -- the previous rebel base, the mansion.


The door to Trixie and Andras' shared bedroom creaked open, feet ambling in. The amber eyed demon sleepily inclined his body into the empty spot against the nephlim, his arms outreaching and swaddling around the still sleeping woman. His lips connected to her forehead in warm morning affection. "Trix...," he murmured, voice still husky with an aspect of tiredness. "We need to discuss about Jade... and how we're suppose to deal with her little Maddox problem." He explained, although the it didn't seem he was fully awake to have even a comprehending conversation about it. The man seemed to be not even aware of his surroundings, let alone the fact that Jade had even abandoned her room, he too tired to even contemplate her absence.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox jumped slightly as the somewhat distant sound of a bird call broke through the quiet morning air, and he paused, looking out toward the forest. It was odd, as it had never happened before. Not such a noise as that, but he shrugged it off. "Must be something migrating." he told himself, shaking his head as he maneuvered the axe in his hands once more and continued with his work. The monotonous action allowing the human man to blank his mind and not think of anything more than the task at hand. It was how he had learned to cope after the past nearly eight months. He forced himself to count how many times the axe made a full arc and struck the wood in front of him to keep his mind from thinking about anything else. With Jade inside, as far as he knew, he had even that much more reason to keep his thoughts preoccupied. Though this was also a bit of a downfall, as he didn't notice the same guys from the day before sneaking over to him.


Trixie's mind pulled closer to the surface of waking when her subconscious felt the weight of Andras beside her, his arms sliding around her, his lips warm against her forehead. She hummed softly, a smile pulling at the corners of her mouth as she responded, sliding a singular arm over Andras as well and scooting herself ever so slightly closer to the man. "Hmm. We will, Basic. But right now, you seem to tired to even comprehend being awake. Go to sleep. We'll talk later." she said softly, a small, warm laugh bubbling after her words. The pillow of Andras' now abandoned for the man himself.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jade moved through the forests at a fast pace, ducking her head underneath a branch and then swinging her body to the side to avoid brushes in her path. It was an exhilarating feeling that made her laugh, but soon she had to slow down for the sake of her physical state. As well as the fact she had grown near to the mansion, skirting out on the forest lining. Multiple government personnel held out in wait while they investigated and brushed over every supernatural artifact, grimoire, etc... anything that has the sense of being odd and dabbles with the knowledge of various non-human creatures. The investigators were scattered out amongst tents, coming in and out of them to conduct a report with their commander. Then there was the patrols of what one would assume police officers, but fully dressed in armor similar to a soldier. It would be nearly impossible to take them all out on her own... but that's when Shadow came in. The same sparrow previously before dipped himself out from the air and down upon an investigator that had unfortunately been walking by. At the last minute, before the scrawny man could react, the bird shifted before his eyes, abnormally enlarging itself into a coil of spirits and slithering arms of shadows. They snapped him up into their grasp and consumed him into a gap, presuming his mouth, considering the wide vertical fangs that pointed from them. Within minutes others were screaming, some pouring out from the house to see but also aid some help. A pure chaotic distraction. Carefully she maneuvered herself out into the open and inched past the personnel, slipping into the comfort of the mansion. She didn't know how much time she had, let alone if she could make it out of here before Shadow had to turn tail and eventually leave when backup was called. So she hurried, easing herself down the hall to where her office had once been.


The men came eventually more prepared than the last attempt on Maddox's life. All three reluctantly carried a pistol of sort, the leader having his withdrawn at the moment while the two others skirted on each side of Msddox to make their presence known as soon as they had approached. There was a loud click from the gun as it's owner adjusted it so the safety was off. "Put down the axe and step away from it. Otherwise I blast your brains outta your skull." He ordered, pressing the fire arm against the back of the ex-politician's head. "If you can listen, for once, then you can make it easier on yourself. But I'm not discussing details till I know you're unarmed and not going to try anything." The man on Maddox's right outstretched his hand in wait for the axe to be relinquished into his hold rather be embedded back into the stump, out in the open and easy to grab.


"But..." a mumbled protest died in his throat, Andras giving in within minutes as the pillow was adjusted back underneath his head. The demon's arms curled comfortably around her waist, drawing Trixie closer for warmth and he sighed, a soft noise when he was sleepy apparently. In a matter of seconds he was out like a light, body slumped against hers, and eyes tightly held for some good ol' sleep.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox froze, swallowing thickly as he felt the gun press against the back of his head. He slowly handed the axe over to the one who held a hand out for it, hesitant at first to release the weapon. "W-what do you want from me?" he asked softly, his voice showing the apparent discomfort and fear he felt. He was certainly outnumbered, and sure that this time, there would be no last minute savior. His mouth went dry as his tongue slid from between his lips to try and wet them, a small cough escaping him as he tried to remain calm enough to breathe easily. His palms were growing sweaty, and sweat beaded on his temples. Part of him wished he had remained in bed, though that probably would have been worse for wear for him.


Trixie smirked, shaking her head slightly as she settled in beside the sleeping demon. There were things that just made the man seem adorable, despite his bad-ass nature and the way he put himself out there. "Good night, Basic." she whispered softly, a small laugh escaping her as she, too, prepared for some more shut eye. Unfortunately for her, she was awake now, as well as this weird sensation that told her something was off. Though she couldn't place the feeling, and figured it was just stress related nerves. She frowned slightly, and sighed, before attempting to let sleep take her again. It wasn't like Andras was going to let go of her anyway, not that she wanted him to anyway.

 

[QueenofDorks]

"You need to leave," the man with the gun addressed firmly to Maddox, without pause. "You don't belong here amongst the rebellion. You're some shit son that hates his political father, it's the only reason you're doing this. Not to make it known that supernaturals have rights too." He nudged the back of his head with the butt of the gun, and then casted his eyes aside to squint at his henchmen, satisfied to see that one now wielded the axe. The other, however, was taking a pen and scrap of folded paper from his pants pocket. "Write that you have deserted the rebellion. That you only did this for attention. And sooner or later the government will be knowledgable of our location, regardless of the barrier. You write that and you're free, without any harm done to you. Don't do it and you'll end up as a dead man. Understand?"

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox swallowed thickly after the man spoke, telling him what to write and threatening to kill him if he didn't do as demanded. Though it wasn't hard to figure out what it is they wanted, and he should have known. "I can't write a lie. Not to someone I.... Not to Addie... I'll leave, and you can spread whatever story you want. But I won't lie to Addie. She's hurt enough." he sighed, squeezing his eyes closed in defeat. He thought for a moment, and reached for the pen and paper. "But I'll leave the note for Andras." he concluded moments later, letting his voice shake with supposed worsening fear. He took the pen and paper, and started to scribble, only to pretend the pen wasn't writing good. "Huh. Seems like this pen isn't working... Hang on. I have one..." he said, dropping the old pen and reaching into his pocket. He moved quickly, sort of, hitting the speed dial on his still working cell phone for Andras and Trixie just before pulling his hand back out with a new pen. He started writing. "Much better." he said nervously, as he began to write the note verbatum of what the man had instructed.


Trixie moaned a soft protest as she heard Andras' phone begin to ring, and nudged the sleeping demon. "Basic... someone's trying to call you.... Isn't that Dox's tone?" she mumbled sleepily.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Andras growled the depths from his throat his own protest, one not too happy to be waken from sleep to only realize it had been a mere phone call from Maddox. "Hmph... if he wanted to talk then he could've just come up here again." He muttered, elongating his arm out to pluck his phone up off the night side table. His finger eased down on the cancel option till the ringing went silent. "But I am in no mood to talk so therefore I'm going to ignore him right now." He concluded as he turned off his cellphone before tossing it back over onto the small table surface where it belonged. Then he rolled over and slipped his arms around Trixie's waist, face nestling into the crook of her neck as he tried to find sleep once more, unaware of the lurking trouble that threatened Maddox.


"You do realize that Jade ain't gonna miss ya one bit? You're just getting in her way, politician. Blurring her goal on making sure all your lot pay for what you've done to us." The man drawled out, disgust mingling into the tone he possessed. He glanced aside to his henchman once more than motioned towards him. The other guy from before snatched up the letter from his hand and examined it's contents to make sure that everything was settled on paper, that Maddox had stated enough to make him sound like some pompous asshole who really didn't give a crap about the rebellion.


"C'mon," the one with the gun quipped, "time for you to take your bow and exit." He waved the fire arm towards the exit gate in the back yard, a precaution if they were ever attacked head on first.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox swallowed thickly, "I don't throw myself in with who my father was. I've always wanted to make things better for you and all supernaturals. Believe me or not, but I tried to help." He said softly, almost defeated as he started walking toward the exit. His mind was reeling, trying to figure out what he would do from there. It wasn't like he had anywhere to go from there, having been disowned by his family and labeled a supernatural sympathetic. He paused as he passed through the threshold, glancing over his shoulder at the men who chased him off. He sighed and turned away, bolting into the trees. He didn't know what to do, or where to go. He just ran, and he kept running until he collapsed, out of breath. Anger and fear rushed through him, and he slammed a fist into the dirt. "Damnit!" He yelled angrily at the top of his lungs, gasping for air. He sat on his knees, staring at his hands that now rested in his lap. "What am I going to do? Will they believe the note?" He whispered almost pathetically before slamming a palm to his forehead and digging out his cell phone. The line was disconnected, and he had no idea if Andras had answered or if a message of their last words had been recorded. He fumbled slightly, dialing him again, and cursing when it went straight to voicemail. "Andras... I was forced out by gun point. I'm in the forest somewhere. Don't worry about me. Just don't believe the note they forced me to write. Please. Take care of Jade. I'm not wanted, so I'll figure something out." He said quickly before hanging up and shoving the phone back into his pocket before moving on in hopes of finding something to call shelter for the time being.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Brewing above in the sky were storm clouds, growing as the minutes lapped into hours. Soon enough it started to pour, rain splattering against the dirt and trees. Weaving amongst the brush, drenched and giddy, came Jade, clutching tightly to a leather bounded diary that bulged at the seam with stuffed entries, a large paper sticking out -- the portrait of her and Edwin, painted a week after they had been wedded, and a few clothes of hers that was left behind was now tucked under her arm. Shadow, the spirit sparrow, flew around her shoulder from left to right, following to assure the witch's safety. Her bare feet slid against the gravelly mud, and her clothes clung to her body, the make shift shawl slipping from her shoulders and stained with dirt. She slowed her pace to a stop, her heart pounding in her ears. She listened to the rain fall around her, drops slipping from her forehead to land on her curved lips, and she raised her head, allowing herself to enjoy the oddity of today's weather and the tranquility that surrounded it. A snap of a branch alerted her senses and she turned, staring blearily into the forest surroundings. Shadow, however, left her shoulder to investigate the sound with a flap of his wings.


The mansion was in chaos as Andras had woken from his nap to only find the voicemail from Maddox, and the absence of Jade from her assigned bedroom. The men who had held the ex-politician at gunpoint had been apprehended the moment one has delivered the letter, spewing lies from his mouth about how Dox had been even behind the missing guns from the armory. Various guards, few to spare mind you, had been sent to find Maddox and, hopefully, Jade. The demon paced reluctantly about in the conference room, the rickety table in the middle lined with maps and files, now the letter that laid out, crinkled and read numerous times. He thumbed over a phone number and raised it to his ear, "Dox, if you're still out in the forest keep an eye out for Jade. I thought she was in her room the entirety of today, and turns out I was wrong. Just.. make sure that she's safe, at least, and not harmed in any possible way. I have a hunch on where she might have left for but I'm not 100% sure..."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Trixie was sitting, watching Andras as he paced, "Basic... Sit down. Please. You've been pacing for hours." she said softly, patting the chair beside her. "Jade will show up eventually, and I'm sure Dox will as well. I know you're worried, but we should probably deal with those guys who took the guns and threatened Dox. We can't keep sparing what little guards we have left guarding those three." she said gently, finally pushing herself to her feet. She approached the demon, stepping into his path to interrupt his pacing, her hands settling on his hips. The soft glow that showed she was using her angelic abilities to help calm him lit between them, "It's no help to Jade or Dox to worry yourself to exhaustion." she said softly, gently, as she smiled at Andras.


Maddox groaned audibly to himself when the rain had started, his clothing quickly plastering to himself. He fumbled for his phone when it vibrated against his thigh, listening to Andras, fear and worry settling again in his stomach when he was told Jade was out here in the forest somewhere, and Andras had a hunch she had been back to the mansion. "Alright. I'll wander around and see if I can't find her. If I find her, I'll make sure she gets back." he said in response through the rain before moving the phone and glancing at it. The battery was nearly drained, not to mention the phone itself was soaking wet. He shook his head, and shoved it back into his pocket before pressing on forward. He shifted his direction, heading back around the new base toward the direction of the old one. "Jade... why did you come out here?" he asked himself softly just as a branch broke under foot.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Andras scowled reluctantly at her pestering order to cease all pacing and sit and relax. He couldn't just do that. He had left Jade, alone and unwatched -- if he hadn't, if he had just been awake this morning instead and fully aware of his surroundings then perhaps he'd be able to stop her from fleeing into the forest. He couldn't just not blame himself for both incidents, unaware of the negativity that rose from their rebels with Maddox's presence. He opened his mouth, gearing himself to say something severely negative and on borderline of rude... then he felt a wave calm overcome his scattered nerves and thoughts, easing him to comply. He hated whenever she did that... overpowering his demonic anger into something calm and peaceful. Begrudgingly he moved to the chair and plopped down onto its surface. "What do you propose we do with the group of men that caused chaos and forced Dox to leave?"


Shadow perched himself upon a branch above Maddox, watching with him an aspect of disgust. The sparrow shifted, and turned, flitting back between to his alternate form and true form for the raging spirit. Trying to decide whether or not he should just consume his whole being, and spirit too -- he didn't exactly like the whole aura around him. However Jade gave him little time to decide as she too decided to investigate, toeing her way around the fallen leaves and tramped bramble from government personell stomping through the forest, in the lurk of any poor unfortunate beings. He chirped, high and thrill, a warning to not come any closer. He hopped on the branch and turned to watch as she paused, wavering, then pushed on now with hurry and extended out an arm to brush away a branch till she was in a clearing.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Trixie watched him, part of her knowing it had been wrong to use her powers on him and how much he disliked it, but it also worried her to see his anger bubble at himself like a festering wound. She pressed her lips together and sat down again as well, had she been a little less proud, she'd probably have apologized for that. "Really there is only two options. Give them so much grunt work they won't be able to do that again, or toss them out like they did to Dox." She shrugged, brushing a hand through her hair. "What would you or Jade have done before if someone got violent with another?" She asked curiously, studying the demon's face.


Maddox blinked up at the strange bird, fear striking him frozen as it started shifting. At first, his mind went straight for the last time he'd had contact with a shadow like being, his chest erupting in the memory of the pain when it had grabbed him by his soul. It wasn't until he heard more movement that he was able to move his eyes, searching for the source, when Jade slipped into view in the small clearing. There she was, and she appeared safe, if it hadn't been for the beast in the tree. "Addie!" He called in surprise, unable to stop himself from using the old nickname his previous life had given her, and he swallowed thickly. There it was again. This Edwin feeling like he was trying to take over his consciousness, and Maddox didn't like feeling like he was losing himself. He sighed, "Jade... are you alright?" He asked, his eyes darting between the witch and the bird thing above him.

 

[QueenofDorks]

"Usually we would have interfered before things turn violent. Someone would have come to us to report a minimal fight, argument, et cetera." Andras explained as he inclined back in the chair, fingers raised to rub at his eyes. "Which brings me to a question; if Dox had a previous altercation with the men why didn't he just report it like every other normal person? Otherwise, we could have avoided this whole situation." He mused in a shrill tone of annoyance once the radiating calm had dispelled from him. His lips pressed together, tightly pursed, as he wracked his mind thoroughly on the matter. "I'm not that much of a jackass to have them be thrown out. They have families here too and are only concerned that Dox will turn us, which I highly doubt will ever happen mind you. Jade is half of the reason why he's here and he will never just up and abandon to go over on his father's side. In the end I'd say we talk to them about it, smooth things over and assure nothing will happen while Dox is around. As well as give them a whole lot of grunt work."


Jade adjusted the make shift shawl so it wouldn't slip from her shoulders again, her grasp secure and tight around the few belongings she picked up from the mansion. She blinked as the nickname struck her again, it having not been commonly used before by Maddox but now it seemed like an embedded thing for the man. It piqued her curiosity; was he not himself either? She inclined her head to peer up into the trees and past the bare branches. A thrill tone of a chirp came from the witch and Shadow immediately swooped down, settling comfortably upon her shoulder. He fluffed his wings absently, eying the man from the corner of his beady eye.


"I'm alright. Quite good actually," she replied to the ex-politician, raising a finger to gingerly pet under the neck of the shadow sparrow. She smiled thinly, surprisingly the simper remaining even as she glanced up at Maddox. Her brows creased slightly, "Why are you out here in the first place?"

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Trixie nodded, considering the demon's words. A look of thought crossed her face, trying to think of something to help Maddox. "Maybe there's something we can have Dox do that will help convince them?" she mused curiously at Andras, abandoning all thought of kicking the attackers out of the base. "As for Dox not saying anything, it was probably so he wouldn't stir up even more trouble in the base for himself. I mean, we're only two people. We can't watch him twenty-four seven. If he were to rat on them, they'd probably only make it worse for him when we weren't looking." she shrugged, shaking her with a soft sigh. She lifted her hands, pressing her fingers to either temple and rotated them in small circles. "Being a problem solver is such a headache..." she muttered, squeezing her eyes closed for a moment. After a few rotations of her fingers, she dropped her hands from her head and looked at Andras. "We need to find out if there are any others that feel as strongly as those guys. We don't need more of them trying to force Dox out of the base." she frowned.


Maddox couldn't help the flinch that shook him when she let loose the bird call and the shadow sparrow lit on her shoulder, a fearful shudder running down his spine before relaxing slightly. There was still the cold pit in his stomach of fear of the shadow creature, but knowing it was Jade who controlled or befriended the being made it a little more bearable to be around it. He, also, couldn't help but stare as the thin smile stretched the ginger haired woman's features. The elation he felt that she was smiling was immeasurable, but he quickly shoved the feeling back. He couldn't be sure if he was feeling that, or if it was Edwin. His eyes blinked as his mind finally registered her question, and the ex-politician swallowed thickly as he wiped the dumbstruck look off his face in his, now, usual stony, unfeeling look of indifference. "I'd say it was because I was worried about you, but I would be lying. I honestly thought you were at the base all day if it hadn't been for Andras calling me to tell me what was going on." he started, his eyes falling to the ground as he raised an arm to run a hand through his long, soaking wet hair, pushing it out of his face. "I was forced away from the base at gunpoint. Had to write a note and everything to make it seem like I did it of my own choice and that I was going to turn the new base in to the government." he shrugged, shaking his head slightly. "What about you? It's hard to think you'd leave the safety of the new base to go for a stroll in the rain so close to the milling officials." he asked, a tiny, playful smirk appearing on his lips for a nano second before disappearing behind his indifference once more.

 

[QueenofDorks]

"And what exactly do you have in mind? To have Dox prove himself? Why does he have to prove himself to anyone? He wanted to be apart of this rebellion, he aided us and gave us little to none trouble. No one had a problem with him till now. Till Jade was captured. But it wasn't his fault, she was playing the game like everyone else." Andras argued, brows furrowed tightly in an expression of dislike. He was certainly opposed to the idea of having Maddox do something to assert assurance into everyone else. He didn't, shouldn't have to. The demon rose from his chair, and strode out of the room with firm steps. If they wanted to scrape out anyone else had the similar feelings and/or problems with Maddox then they would figure it out -- by addressing it in a meeting with all rebels. Right now, as to clear all air before Maddox returned and, hopefully, with the presence of Jade.


Jade continued to dote affection upon Shadow, her fingers preening at the feathers of his wings, a softer chirp cooing from her mouth. Her eyes slide back to Maddox, "No need to be worried. It's a small, minimal gift from my father and that will probably certainly surprise you even more. Kieran aided me when I escaped the prison. Fended and protected me afterwards. In a way one could easily surmise that as an apology for the absence my father has in my life." She listened for a moment to the rain, then to his voice as he answered. The storm was getting heavier, it pouring by now and forming mud puddles in crevices of the ground, the rain drenching everything in sight. Even them, as the two stood and chatted briefly. His words held no importance to her, but rather the slight pull in his features had struck her fancy. A minuscule smirk had come to his mouth but within seconds it disappeared. With a tilt of her shoulder Kieran fluttered into the breeze of the storm, sweeping his wings upwards then diving back down to dissipate into the shadows of the forest. The witch remained and, with surprise, eased her way over with precarious steps till she was face to face with the man. Her mouth formulated a nostalgic smile. "There's the Doxie I know," she chimed, her finger tapping against his lips. "Don't let it stray. Many things happen with a reincarnate... and you may already be experiencing them now." Her words soured her current expression, faltering it with an aspect of sullen sadness. "If I had known sooner I would have said something." Then she was pulling back and swinging her arms at her sides, her bare feet easing against the mud and sopping wet ground as she began to walk to only cease in mid-step a moment later. She looked at Maddox, "Are you going to accompany me back to the base?"

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Trixie blinked at Andras' reaction, "He doesn't, but we-" she started when the demon rose and strode firmly out of the room. She groaned softly, putting a hand to her forehead. "Damn. Dig a hole, and make it deeper. Yup." she muttered to herself, before standing with a sigh. She followed after Andras, figuring he was going to call a meeting to root out any other problems the rebels had with the ex-politician. Hopefully they could smooth over the whole incident and they wouldn't have to worry about him any more. Though her mind was more preoccupied with how to remove the proverbial foot from her mouth.


Maddox blinked, the cold pit of fear seeming to intensify rather than calm when Jade stated that the sparrow creature was a gift from her father, even when she explained the being was on her side. He tensed, his breath catching when the witch grew closer to him. A hand raising and a finger tapping against his lips. The nostalgic smile that crossed her lips made the human man's heart thud in his chest, and the old nickname his mother had used, that she had requested to use as well, surfacing. Then it soured as she spoke about things happening to a reincarnate. As she turned and began to walk away, he jumped slightly, a hand coming forward as if to reach for the ginger tressed woman, but something stopped him. He nodded quietly when she looked back at him and asked if he was coming or not, his legs heavy as he started to move them to follow after her. There was so much in his head that was confusing. As they walked, he could tell they were nearing the base, and he reached out for Jade's hand. He stopped them, turning his body to look at the woman. "Look, Jade... I may not be Edwin... but I care for you. Sometimes, it's hard to tell if it's me, or the repressed feelings of the soul I carry... and I feel like I'm going insane most of the time.... but I just wanted you to know... I'm still here like I was before you were captured. I'm willing to try again... dating, I mean... Just tell me if that will ever be a possibility again or not." he said, hoping he got the right meaning across.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Andras maneuvered his way through the various halls of the military base, his pace of walking firm, and strides a bit too fast. He didn't wait around for Trixie to be able to catch up, let alone wait to see if she was even following. He merely walked, approaching the one destination he could get everyone's attention. The demon entered the somewhat smaller cafeteria, it was still large in a sense but nothing compared to the one in the secluded mansion. The room, however, was crowded as expected. Thankfully too, as he climbed onto to one of the empty tables. The presence of the demon had certainly quieted down some of the chatter, even more so as he addressed the crowds of rebels. "Alright. Meeting time. After a particular incident with Maddox, the human rebel and yes, a son of a politician, it has come to my attention that not many agree with his presence, let alone him being here. Who can confirm this is true? Raise your hand so I can take count." He directed, voice tense and annoyed, his eyes scanning across the numerous faces that stared back at him.


The two had walked in silence for quite some time till the military base could be seen amongst the trees, the looming fences that fortified it. Before Jade could take another step she was ceased from even making any kind of movement, her eyes traveling to the hand that clutched at her own, the familiarity of the touch made her frown slightly. His words furthered a troubled look upon her face, as she tilted her gaze to meet his as he spoke. Reluctantly she inclined her hand forwards and pressed it gently to his chest, her lips tightly pursed together with consideration. "I know you're not Edwin, Doxie. I never asked you to be. I admit it's one of the reasons I had saved you from the police because I had hoped you would be, someday within time." She admitted, her voice softly quiet as her hand slipped up from his chest to cup against his face. "It was a possibility that I researched and I had clung onto. But John... my father clarified that it was wishful thinking. Having someone else's soul can severely damage the holder, human or not. Edwin will fight like hell to take over. You... can't let it happen. Your mind would break, personalities splitting to form what could have been. You'd be a mess, the pain would be too much and I refuse to let myself see that happen." She wavered, her eyes filled with an aspect of increasing fear for the ex-politician that grasped at her, tight and refusing to let go. The witch withdrew her hand, "But perhaps... it's a possibility we could continue where we had left off before my capture. Maybe.."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Trixie trotted into the cafeteria just as Andras asked for a show of hands as to who disliked having Maddox around, and her stomach turned when it was nearly a fifty fifty of hands raised or not. Of course, the majority of those who weren't pleased were men who had families, so part of it was easier to understand. She sighed as she moved through the crowd, finding a place to stand near some of the others she had become somewhat friends with. Shoving her hands into her pockets, she waited to see where this was going to head.


Maddox gulped softly as Jade's free hand stretched out to rest on his chest, her words like ice down his back. So this fight between him and another person wasn't all in his head. Edwin really was trying take over. Relief seemed to flood him as he had at least that much closer in knowing he was just plain crazy. Though the ramifications if he lost the battle scared him senseless. It was nigh impossible to keep his head from leaning into the small hand that cupped his cheek, more than anything wanting to hold her. Embrace her. Like on their wedding night. Maddox blinked, startled by the sudden thought, and was thankful when Jade's hand pulled away, even if it left him wanting. He stepped back, shaking his head and putting a palm to his forehead, groaning. "Damn it..." He muttered, as if in pain, mentally pressing the unfamiliar emotions and thoughts down.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Andras took in the many hands that shot up from the crowd, fully opposed to the ex-politician living amongst them, let alone aiding them in their cause. He saw every man, faces rugged with concern and worry for their families. Would he be the same if he found himself in a similar position? "I know you're all scared about the unknown. That this man, Maddox, brings it even more because you're not sure if you can trust him or not. And I get it. You all have been wounded by the government, families ripped apart by them and their grueling laws, killed, beaten. Felt on the near verge of giving up. But, instead, the rebellion inspired many of you to stand up against this chaos. To not let them think they have gotten the best of us. You hate the government. And perhaps you should find reassurance that Dox certainly hates them too. He has never been a supporter of his father and rather an advocate for change, for the cause the rebellion brings." The demon paused, watching as murmurs came from the crowds, and the slightest sight of more people gathering at the double doors of the cafeteria to listen. "He has been called a supernatural sympathizer, his name is branded as a heretic and he has been disowned by the only family he knew. Yet have you seen him turn his back and grovel, weeping to be forgiven? No. He has moved on within these months and stayed by our side through and through. If that's not reassurance enough, let alone convincing that he won't harm anyone, then I don't know what will. Just know that there will be no more subjecting him, plotting to taking him out. Otherwise the next person whom does so will be thrown out. And I'd rather not do that unless my hand is forced."





Jade noticed the slight startle form in his features and her feelings, the ones that had semi-reconnected in her once more, itched to ease whatever had caused that reaction. But she knew better than that. Her hands curled back around the personal belongings she held, a sad smile twisting at her lips. "But then again... it maybe isn't the best idea for you to be around me at the moment. Especially if we get intimate. I don't want to further bring out Edwin's emotions within you, plant more of a cause for him to come out and take over." She mused, proposing that they put some distance between themselves for the sake of him and his current state of conflict, raging a war between who he was and wasn't. "I will, however, aid you in whatever you might need to suppress anything down." Her smile faltered, fading, and she pivoted upon her heel, turning her back to Maddox as she began to retreat back towards the military base, yearning to bury this moment between them and let it be nonexistent.