|
|
Post by Shadow Sharpfang on May 8, 2017 20:25:58 GMT -4
Shijin mimicked the sound of a train's whistle (crows were surprisingly good impersonators, though god only knew where he heard the sound of a train before) and dived away, letting the wind catch his wings and use his momentum to propel him forward. "Let's go, then! No time to waste! We don't want to miss the big moment! I won't even blink!" he cheered, while Kiyasa followed him with a concerned look on her face.
"What the hell is it you've been working on?" she asked, eyes narrowed.
"You're gooing to see in a few mere minutes, Kiyasa, my dear! Have patience!"
Kiyasa gave Arethusa a worried look but didn't say anything else.
|
|
|
|
Post by Wolfstar on May 8, 2017 20:37:02 GMT -4
"Let's just get this over with. I don't want my brother's to get tangled with Rose," Arethusa murmured, flying faster than she usually did. She was happy to see her family again, and to know a literal army was waiting for an order felt a bit exciting as well. But to know what they might be ordered to do made her feel cold. She had a hunch as to what they could be used for.
"I want to explore Molimo," Avdimi looked around, pacing back and forth.
"Don't. We don't exactly know who runs this place, we'll just wait for sis to come back and show us around."
"That's boring."
|
|
|
|
Post by Shadow Sharpfang on May 8, 2017 21:12:14 GMT -4
Shijin led them to a dark part of the forest, and began to fly lower with each passing beat of his wings. "The sage camp is up ahead. My little laboratory is hidden nearby. Follow me closely." He was talking in a hushed voice now, all of his previous excitement vanishing to make way for quiet anxiety. They were moving into risky territory, he wouldn't dare let anyone overhear, or even notice his movements. Every move was dangerous. Each one had to be calculated.
Eventually, he flew directly into a tunnel and vanished into its murky depths. Kiyasa hesitated, but she was more agile than Shijin and he hadn't had any problems flying through the tunnel's entrance, so she tucked in her wings and barrelled after him.
Rose-Singer was on the prowl, watching the activity of his loyal birds from above, the sigil ever masking his identity. The bat hawk's fierce orange eyes were alert, pupils mere slits as they flickered left and right, absorbing his surroundings in milliseconds as he glided along. A unique pair caught his eye - peregrine falcons he had never seen before. He liked to think he knew most everyone, whether through working with them or simply having seen them around, so seeing two birds he didn't recognize threw him off, especially with the resemblance they bore to a certain member of his council. Eyes narrowed, the kite changed course. He'd been suspicious lately, on edge, fearful of the revolution that threatened to dawn any day, so he had to ensure that any potential threats were monitored.
Swiftly, silently, he landed near the pair of raptors and eyed them with mild curiosity, if not indifference. "Hello."
He'd be watching their responses closely - one twitch made all the difference.
|
|
|
|
Post by Wolfstar on May 8, 2017 21:31:54 GMT -4
Arethusa stopped before the tunnel entrance, remembering the darkness she used to know for over a year. She landed outside of it, staying silent and still. There was no way she'd be going back down there. She tucked her wings and turned away, grumbling under her breath. "Out of all places."
Molimo looked up, while Avdimi turned around with curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "Hello," Molimo asked calmly, tapping his talons against the tree bark. He thought something like this would happen, so having sharpened them seemed to good.
"Hm, I'm gonna guess you rule the place, huh? That mask thing is awfully silly," Avdimi said.
"Watch your tongue brother," Molimo warned.
|
|
|
|
Post by Shadow Sharpfang on May 8, 2017 21:55:33 GMT -4
A sharp, short whistle was heard nearby, and then there was a creaking noise, and leaves began fluttering to the ground as though dislodged from the branch they once hung from. Then, a large raptor descended from the sky, landing on the opposite side of the tunnel's entrance from Arethusa. "Enter or don't," the large bird said in a calm voice. "Lingering for more than one hundred and thirty-nine seconds is prohibited. If you don't plan to go inside, leave, or I'll have to force you in." There was sympathy in the large harpy eagle's eyes, but he was simply doing his job.
Rose-Singer regarded Avdimi with precise curiosity, pupils narrowed into fine slits that spanned no more than two hairs' breadth. "I am in charge," he answered, voice retaining its calm regality. "The mask is silly, isn't it? I have to wear it, though. It's tradition among these birds, and to lead, one must take into consideration the whims of his people, am I wrong?" He seemed to direct this question at Molimo. He could detect the falcon's aura of leadership and understood that he might agree with the words. "You two must not be from here, then." That much was painfully obvious. It almost hurt how clear it was, and Rose had been put into high alert. "Might I inquire as to your business?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Wolfstar on May 8, 2017 22:07:20 GMT -4
Arethusa nodded, sighing as she glanced back at the tunnel. "Thanks for the warning. I'll go in, even if it isn't my favorite thing to do." She took another moment before taking off after the others, hoping there was only one path. Then she wished the tunnel was a bit larger for her wingspan.
Avdimi liked Rose, but could see how Molimo felt about him by his stature. He let Molimo decide to speak, seeing as he enjoyed how uncomfortable his brother was.
"We're just waiting for Arethusa. We were told she nested over there, but weren't allowed to get too close." Molimo gestured towards the tree Kiyasa said she nested in. "Our home was ruined recently, so we wondered if there's a home for us here."
Avdimi knew that his brother was partially lying, but decided to keep quiet about it.
|
|
|
|
Post by Shadow Sharpfang on May 8, 2017 22:33:35 GMT -4
The tunnel started small, but opened out gradually until finally the walls widened to reveal a large cavern, one that bustled with activity. The pelts of small animals were scattered on the floor so that it was more comfortable to walk on, and lit torches were burning faintly on the walls, the flames flickering and waning with the lack of oxygen. More importantly, the giant cavern was infested with strange equipment, but one end of the room seemed to be the focus of all the birds hustling about inside. There, a short, round pedestal sat, with a large, stone egg sitting on top of it. The egg was quivering, shaking, as though something within was fighting to break out.
Shijin was standing in the front of the crowed, eyes glowing with excitement while everyone else watched, agape. A few larger, stony-faced birds were standing around the edges, providing security in case something went awry.
Kiyasa was just behind Shijin, watching on with uncertainty. She glanced at Arethusa as she entered, and Shijin followed her gaze. "Oh, hurry over, milady! You don't want to miss the birth of the finest weapon ever known to bird kind!"
Rose listened closely to Molimo, eyes never moving from their strict stare. "Arethusa? I see. What might be your connection to her? Family of hers is family of the people, you'd be welcome here and granted a place among the higher ranks." Perhaps he was lying, but it was impossible to tell. His watchful eyes were void of expression, and his smile seemed out of place on his apathetic face.
|
|
|
|
Post by Wolfstar on May 8, 2017 22:53:35 GMT -4
She landed and walked over the rest of the way, keeping her gaze on the stone egg. "How can thing even be alive? It's encased in stone." She muttered, ready to take off if needed. She didn't like the situation at the moment.
"We're her brothers, and we'd rather work our way up." Molimo looked at Avdimi, watching his brother fidget. "Calm down, we can go hunting soon."
"I know, but I'm curious as to what role Arethusa has here. Back home she was the Executioner..." Avdimi ignored the glare from Molimo, knowing he was giving information about Arethusa freely.
|
|
|
|
Post by Shadow Sharpfang on May 9, 2017 20:13:19 GMT -4
Shijin grinned at Arethusa. "Well, Ms. High Advisor, it's an egg I built myself. I inserted an artificial embryo into the centre stuffed to the brim with all the DNA of a cold-blooded, high-powered killer, and ensured it had the nutrients it needed to grow." He turned his attention back to the restlessly shaking egg. "It will take a few days for it to be at full strength, and will require strict training. I know nothing about battle and discipline, so I'm leaving it in the army's control." He gazed to Kiyasa. "That means you'll oversee the procedure."
Kiyasa grunted, but before she could say anything, there was a loud crack and everyone's eyes turned to the stony egg. The sides had shattered, split along every inch of the surface with thin, web-like fissures. Then, the creature inside made another blow, and the pieces exploded into movement, flying around the room. "Remain calm!" Shijin instructed, not moving from his watchful post except to dodge a few oncoming pieces of rock.
There, where the egg had once sat, amid a pile of rubble and clear ooze, was a fully-feathered beast unlike any bird Kiyasa had ever seen. It's beak - which reminded her more of a dog's snout than a beak - was scaly and slim. The creature spread it's jaws to squawk frustratedly at the audience and revealed a jaw filled with needle-like teeth. It's legs were muscular and covered in skin and flesh, with long, scary talons protruding from its toes. And where its wings were meant to be, one would instead find feathered arms, complete with a clawed joint near where the first few primary feathers sprouted.
Kiyasa stared wordlessly, unable to comprehend what had just happened.
Rose-Singer bobbed his head in understanding. "That is respectable. And as for your comment," he said, looking at Avdimi, "Arethusa is my advisor, my second in command. She is a loyal bird, and I cherish her inputs and her work for this place." He cocked his head. "You say she was an executioner? Might I ask where you come from that such a position exists?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Wolfstar on May 9, 2017 20:32:30 GMT -4
Arethusa stepped back, shaking her head. "How can that... That thing overthrow Rose!? It's mad!" She spat, turning her gaze to Shijin. "You're mad! You can't play like a deity!" She turned, shaking her head and shuddering. "I'm not with this. I won't tell a soul, but I refuse to continue with that thing!" She hissed, surprised at her own anger towards this new creature.
"Our home didn't really have a name, but we would call it the Blood on Stones. Mainly because we lived above a river and the dead, or foolish, would fall onto them. There was the Overseer, then the council which contained above 8 other birds. Talbot, who was our Overseer, but her as the Executioner," Avdimi explained.
"There was a reason, one I disproved but couldn't say or else I'd be dead. She hated the role with a passion," Molimo continued. "Blood on Stones was a phrase everyone would chant when someone was pushed off and fell into them. Opinions were ignored, and speaking out would sentence you to death. It was more of a prison than anything."
|
|
|
|
Post by Shadow Sharpfang on May 9, 2017 20:56:53 GMT -4
Shijin sighed and walked up to the creature, ignoring the hiss he received from it. It appeared to be too weak to move in its current state, but its growls still echoed with all the ferocity of a much scarier threat. "Arkaziel! That is the name I'm bestowing upon you," Shijin ordered. "It means ancient crown, and it is a name that you will bear with pride in defence of our civilization." He made a unique set of clicking noises and at the side of the room, the loyal assistant quail Thalia fluttered into action, carrying an object wrapped in a blood-stained pelt over to him. The beast, now dubbed Arkaziel, chittered with uncertainty at the sight of the hidden object. Shijin hauled at the pelt with one foot and tossed it aside. Something golden flew into the sky, then clattered onto the ground in front of him. Arkaziel saw it and his eyes widened, then a placated expression took over his face and he scrambled down from the pedestal to rest his head at Shijin's feet in a fervent bow.
Shijin sighed with relief. "Diuras, you cooky old genius, I can't believe it really worked." He picked up the golden object, revealing it to be an illustrious golden mask of the finest quality, decorated with a sole, clear gemstone on the front like a third eye. "I never would have guessed. You were something, my old friend." Then he spun around to face the crowd. "Listen! I need everyone's attention. We all know about the Sigil of Light, it's a sacred item that our lord, our leader, the Aurestra, has worn on their face since the dawn of our fine kingdom. It is a symbol of their divine leadership, but recently, it has fallen into the wrong claws and currently rests upon Rosy-Beak's - pardon me, Rose-Singer's - disgraceful beak. But as I learned in the enlightening weeks before he appeared and assassinated the glorious leader who preceded him, Diuras, the Sigil he wears is a fake. This one is the real one, hidden by Diuras decades ago. He always knew he'd be assassinated, and this was his way of protecting us. The mask can control Arkaziel, so I will be leaving it in the Rebel Army's control during his training, and once Rose is overthrown, we shall convene to elect a new bird to bear its beauty in humble dedication to our kingdom as our new Aurestra."
He looked over at Arethusa. "If you'd like to back out, do so now, and I thank you for your temporary service. You're always welcome to rejoin us in the decisive moment."
Rose nodded slowly, listening to each word with careful consideration. "I see. It is a shame that your upbringing was so harsh, but I see it has turned you into bold, powerful birds. You and I, we grew up in similar places, but it seems we had very different upbringings." He smiled wryly. "If that is all, though, I'd best be going. I'm busy these days."
|
|
|
|
Post by Wolfstar on May 9, 2017 21:10:07 GMT -4
Arethusa hissed, "I'm not coming back. I refuse to work with that monster. Do what you want Kiyasa, just don't expect me to help you anymore." She took off, going back outside and relishing the air as she flew out. She found herself flying at her full speed, making her fly back to where she left her brothers. Hopefully they were fine.
Molimo nodded, turning to Avdimi who looked up. "Arethusa's here! Hey sis!" She landed beside them, keeping her gaze down. Avdimi frowned at her expression, nudging her in hopes of a reply.
"Everything alright?" Molimo asked, tilting his head.
"Peachy..." She replied.
|
|
|
|
Post by Shadow Sharpfang on May 9, 2017 21:47:09 GMT -4
Shijin nodded as she left and turned back to his audience. A few other birds followed her, intimidated by the realization of all of their plans, and no one stopped them. Those who remained were calm and blank-faced, and solemnly continued to listen to Shijin as he explained the rest of his plans. Kiyasa was still stunned, but she listened to the best of her abilities. Most of it felt way over her head.
The counter was ticking down.
Rose saw that Arethusa was approaching and gave her a respectful nod. "Hello. I hope your day is going smooth, Advisor," he addressed her curtly. "I eagerly await your daily report." Then he took wing and glided off, continuing his rounds.
|
|
|
|
Post by Wolfstar on May 9, 2017 22:01:16 GMT -4
"Arethusa?"
"Wanna be with me when I do my patrol? You'll learn the area better," Arethusa suggested, keeping in a sigh when they agreed. The three took off without another word, and she showed them the area while also keeping an eye on everything.
"Arethusa, what do you think about your leader?" Molimo asked.
"Aurestra Rose-Singer? He's in charge of the place ever since the last one was overthrown. I respect him," She replied, and Avdimi nodded in agreement. Molimo narrowed his eyes, but didn't say anything else.
|
|
