Post by Admin on Aug 14, 2020 21:45:15 GMT
The Training Begins
(OOC: Combined threads from the previous site)
Marcus Linthux
Though unpleasant, Marcus had become used to the unique sensation apparition caused years ago. Having been in a warehouse mere seconds ago, he and Adarian Ackland now felt like they were being squeezed tightly by the darkness that surrounded them as they traveled to Daniel Marsden. Marcus had done this far too many times to really care, but he wondered how Adarian was taking their time in transit. Adarian was still young, and though he had been an adult for several years now, Marcus was unsure if Adarian had much experience with apparition, or if he had a license to begin with. Many wizards still preferred brooms and Floo Powder, after all.
Marcus and Adarian reappeared at their destination, and Marcus' lungs filled with air that had the distinct scent of saltwater that he knew all too well. He felt what was unmistakably sand beneath his feet, and the sound of waves crashing against the dark beach was so familiar that he knew without a doubt where he was: home sweet home.
Marcus opened his eyes. They were on an island; though it was dark, one could barely make out the other islands surrounding the one they were on. He looked ahead, and sure enough, hundreds of candles were floating beside each other, lighting a wide path that led into the jungle before them. There was a pillar of smoke rising into the sky that was coming from something (no doubt a large fire) deeper in the jungle. Marcus swallowed. "We're here," he said.
Adarian Ackland
The unique feeling that came along with apparition was not something that Adarian wasn't used. It was actually quite the contrary. Thus far, however, his experience had been limited to bouncing between places within the United Kingdom, mostly between TOEs headquarters in Surrey and his own estate in Ireland. They long distances to cover to be sure but he'd never traveled quite this far before. In fact, Adarian had never even been outside of the United Kingdom before and by how long the trip was taking, he was certain they were far, far away from London. Adarian wasn't happy to admit it too himself but the trip was so long that it made him quite nauseous. That was something hadn't happen to the young man since his very first time.
The feeling of semi-solid ground beneath his feet was comforting to Adrian though he still couldn't stop himself from dropping to one knee and taking a moment to catch his breath. The smell of salt wave filled the air and the sound of crashing waves surrounded him. They were on a beach. It was dark, but Adarian could feel the sand beneath his hands and see the hundreds of floating candles that folded out before him, carving a path through the dark jungle. Were they on an island? There was no way that Adarian could be certain without asking. Adarian forced a sigh from his lungs. Now certain that the nausea was gone, he stood up and straightened himself up to his full height. "
Marcus swallowed. "We're here," he said.
Where exactly is here, sir?" Adarian asked curiously. Fortunately Adarian didn't have to fake the curiosity he was currently experiencing. It was quite genuine.
Adarian closed his eyes and tried to focus himself to the task once more. The trip had taken more out of him than he'd anticipated and now would be a really bad time for a slip up. So far, so good, Adarian thought to himself as he watched the large pillar of smoke rise into the air. Of course, "good' was a relative term. He was now firmly in within striking distance of the enemy. The down side was that they were within striking distance of him and any one of them would be more than happy to take him down. It seemed that Adarian's father had left quite a scar on the memories of the members of the Seven and they weren't inclined to accept his son in their midst.
With a casual sense of ease about him, Adarian straightened his clothes and tucked his wand into the inside pocket of his jacket. He had several habits that were incredibly similar to his father and he'd have to work hard to hold them back as to not provoke anyone who may want vengeance for what Aaron Ackland did four years prior. Putting his wand away so he couldn't twirl it between his fingers like dear old dad seemed like a good place to start to Adarian. "Shall we?" Adarian asked, motioning to the candle lit path. He hoped they'd get moving soon. I never did like the beach, Adarian thought to himself as he waited.
Marcus Linthux
Marcus gave Adarian a few moments to regain his composure. He thought that, perhaps, it would have been more prudent to let Adarian travel by portkey, like the rest of the new recruits, as the distance they traveled was known to be hard on the body. But he would have to get used to it sooner or later, and since Adarian had shown up uninvited that evening, Marcus felt better about watching him personally than to let someone else do so.
Marcus watched the smoke rise as he answered Adarian. "We call it the Dojo," said Marcus. "It's a school. A training facility for new members. We're not far from the island that you and your friends were taken to a few years back," he added, turning from the smoke to Adarian's face to study him. "Every member of the Seven starts their work here. You may have gotten your education from Hogwarts, but that was just the beginning. Here, you'll be molded into the perfect wizarding soldier. You'll learn to be cunning, and quick, able to make the best decision in a split second. After awhile, you'll be able to take down any opponent with an arsenal of offensive magic and deadly hand-to-hand combat." With another look at Adarian, he said, "your father stood here years ago, where you're standing right now. I hope that you turn out to be more loyal than he did. Because of you don't," he said, pausing, "Daniel's going to see to it that you, and everyone you've ever cared about, suffer."
Marcus turned back to the path that led into the jungle. "Come on. The ceremony's going to start soon."
Adarian Ackland
Marcus watched the smoke rise as he answered Adarian. "We call it the Dojo," said Marcus. "It's a school. A training facility for new members. We're not far from the island that you and your friends were taken to a few years back," he added, turning from the smoke to Adarian's face to study him. "Every member of the Seven starts their work here. You may have gotten your education from Hogwarts, but that was just the beginning. Here, you'll be molded into the perfect wizarding soldier. You'll learn to be cunning, and quick, able to make the best decision in a split second. After awhile, you'll be able to take down any opponent with an arsenal of offensive magic and deadly hand-to-hand combat."
Adarian's icy blue eyes stayed glued to the man who was still watching the smoke rise into the air, even as he spoke. The Dojo? Adarian thought to himself and filed the name away in the back of his mind to give to Witchard next time they spoke. Even as Adarian was deep in thought he never allowed himself to appear inattentive or distracted. He kept his eyes glued to Marcus Linthux. It took a moment for the man's words to sink in and for the first time since Linthux started speaking, Adarian's eyes left him. Looking down at nothing in particular Adarian realized that there would be no escape for him if he were found. This is where the Seven trained their operatives. This is the reason the one member of the Seven seemed so potent against the apparently ill equipped Auror and Hit Wizards. It was also the first time that Adarian realized that if he survived this ordeal he would be one of the very monsters he was trying to stop. He would be deadly and cold; able to make to a take a life without a moment's notice. Adarian felt sick to his stomach.
"Yes, sir," he said in a tone of voice that only held determination. "I've been ready for this for quite some time," he added. Adarian looked down at the palm of his left hand. The branded seven that was burned into his palm was barely visible in the flickering candlelight. "This is my destiny. I will follow the path." Adarian's icy blue eyes shown brightly with rage. "Make me your perfect soldier. I'll do whatever is necessary. Then point at the our enemies and I'll make them regret standing before us. All I ask is that if we ever make a strike at my father, I get the kill." Adarian's jaw was clinched in pure anger. This was one emotion he did not have to fake.
With another look at Adarian, he said, "your father stood here years ago, where you're standing right now. I hope that you turn out to be more loyal than he did. Because of you don't," he said, pausing, "Daniel's going to see to it that you, and everyone you've ever cared about, suffer."
Adarian practically growled as he spoke to the man, fist clinched and feet set into the sand. "I am not my father! I know very well where my loyalties lie and when the heat is on I'll prove it to each and every one of you!" As if returning to his sense, Adarian allowed his body to relax and he took a step back. "My apologies, sir." he said softly. "I did not mean to offend, it's just--" Adarian broke off with a shrug. There was no need to explain the situation. Linthux was a clever and intelligent man. He knew why Adarian's outburst had happened.
Marcus turned back to the path that led into the jungle. "Come on. The ceremony's going to start soon."
Adarian fell in pace behind the man. "Ceremony, sir?" he asked, keeping his eyes on the path.
Marcus Linthux
"Yes, sir," he said in a tone of voice that only held determination. "I've been ready for this for quite some time," he added. Adarian looked down at the palm of his left hand. The branded seven that was burned into his palm was barely visible in the flickering candlelight. "This is my destiny. I will follow the path." Adarian's icy blue eyes shown brightly with rage. "Make me your perfect soldier. I'll do whatever is necessary. Then point at the our enemies and I'll make them regret standing before us. All I ask is that if we ever make a strike at my father, I get the kill." Adarian's jaw was clinched in pure anger. This was one emotion he did not have to fake.
"That's just it," said Marcus, not looking at him. "You're not going to be my perfect soldier. You're not going to even be Daniel's perfect soldier. We'll find out soon enough if this is truly your destiny." Marcus finally faced Adarian. "Everyone answers to someone, Adarian. I answer to the man who's been my best friend for as long as I can remember. But he, and ultimately all of us, answer to someone else. Someone who sees to it that the world runs smoothly. Daniel Marsden, while a great leader, is the messenger for the true leader. Our leader is someone who is and always will be." His face only barely visible in the flickering candle light, Marcus looked very mysterious. "We call it the Chosen Number, but It is more commonly known as Seven." Marcus paused and looked ahead at the smoke once again. Nodding his head, he said, "We'll teach you everything you need to know. But if you're not meant to be here, it will become very apparent. And if so, there's no use fighting it. The Number chooses who It chooses. If it hasn't chosen you," he added, looking back at Adarian, "don't bother."
"The ceremony we're going to is for all new recruits. It's the same thing every time; I've become quite used to it. Everyone will gather around the fire, and Daniel will say a few words. After that, everyone will be branded with our mark (not you, obviously), and then living quarters will be assigned. You'll live on this island for as long as your training lasts. After that, other arrangements will be made, depending on what work you're assigned to. I'll be frank with you; I don't know how well you did in school, but only half of the training on this island will consist of spellwork. The other half of the time, you'll be learning every effective and deadly form of unarmed combat known to man. If you're not the type that goes for a morning jog, your body is going to be begging you for death. You are not to indulge its request; everything you learn here, if you apply yourself, will help you for the rest of your life. That's where the wizarding world at large fails; they rely too much on their own magic, not taking into account how valuable doing things with your hands instead of your wand can be."
With a quick gesture to Adarian, Marcus started down the path toward the ceremony. While on their trek through the jungle, Marcus was thinking about everything he had said to Adarian, the dark sky and the various island-life sounds adding a sinister feel to their journey. He had only told Adarian what was completely true, and whether the boy believed him or thought he was insane, Marcus knew that Adarian would come to know the truth when the time was right. He wouldn't at all be surprised if Daniel himself explained some things to him, after getting over the shock of seeing a traitor's offspring in his presence. The boy had, after all, killed a former classmate without blinking an eye. Thus far, he was proving his loyalty much more than any other spy ever had, if Adarian turned out to be a spy.
"Do you mind if I ask what made you change your mind?" said Marcus as their walk continued. You've been with TOE for a long time now. What it something Joseph Witchard did?"
Adarian Ackland
"That's just it," said Marcus, not looking at him. "You're not going to be my perfect soldier. You're not going to even be Daniel's perfect soldier. We'll find out soon enough if this is truly your destiny." Marcus finally faced Adarian. "Everyone answers to someone, Adarian. I answer to the man who's been my best friend for as long as I can remember. But he, and ultimately all of us, answer to someone else. Someone who sees to it that the world runs smoothly. Daniel Marsden, while a great leader, is the messenger for the true leader. Our leader is someone who is and always will be." His face only barely visible in the flickering candle light, Marcus looked very mysterious. "We call it the Chosen Number, but It is more commonly known as Seven." Marcus paused and looked ahead at the smoke once again. Nodding his head, he said, "We'll teach you everything you need to know. But if you're not meant to be here, it will become very apparent. And if so, there's no use fighting it. The Number chooses who It chooses. If it hasn't chosen you," he added, looking back at Adarian, "don't bother."
Adarian was not going to pretend that he understood all of what Marcus was talking about. The core concepts were easy enough to grasp and he respected the man's loyalty. Everyone assumed that Daniel Marsden was operating on his own behalf. Who could he possibly answer to? It had never occurred to Adarian the most notorious man in the wizarding world could be taking orders from someone else. Adarian's head was practically spinning as he tried to wrap his head around everything that Linthux was saying. Who was this "true leader" he was working for? It sound to Adarian like Marcus was referring to a deity of some sort. Needless to say, Adarian was very confused.
Marcus' explanation of the ceremony went in one ear and right out the other. Truthfully, Adarian hadn't even heard hear what Marcus had been saying. He was too focused on trying to piece together a puzzle that had just grown infinitely in size. This was a ground breaking revelation to Adarian and he knew that more pearls of wisdom would be presented to him at the ceremony but he still struggling with the information that Marcus had given him.
"Do you mind if I ask what made you change your mind?" said Marcus as their walk continued. "You've been with TOE for a long time now. What it something Joseph Witchard did?"
Adarian stopped in his tracks, his eyes slowly turning to Linthux. "It wasn't just Witchard," Adarian said with a strong note of bitterness in his voice. "It was everyone. Everyone that's ever heard of me, which is the majority of the wizarding world. Ever since I helped my father kidnap Nedea and Will, I've been treated like a criminal. My motives were never sought out, never asked for. My side of the story didn't matter. Everyone I meet looks at me like I'm the Devil himself. I tried so hard to convince everyone that I was the person they wanted me to be and I finally realized that I wasn't. I was putting on an act. an act I'm now sick of." Adarian took a couple of steps to catch up with Linthux. "This is me accepting who I am. Accepting my fate.," Adarian added softly as they walked along the candle lit path.
Marcus Linthux
As their trek through the jungle continued, what appeared to be a small amphitheater ahead of them came into view. The arena was made of stone, and carved into the side of it were strange, undecipherable runes. The same runes were carved all the way around the theater, from top to bottom. This was the place that the smoke was rising from. The place where Adarian would begin to prove himself to everyone.
Marcus continued their conversation as they neared the ceremony. "You'll find a lot of that in life," Marcus told Adarian. "It doesn't end here. If you live up to Daniel's expectations, we'll be your new family. But, if you're like a lot of the people here, we'll always question your true motives and desires. A lot of people here don't have any wish to make the world a better place. Some are here just because they want some wealth and power. Others are here because they know what's coming, and they'd rather accept it and join it than to resist it and end up worse off than they were before. The higher-ups may or not trust you, but I can guarantee that not all of your peers will trust you. It's been that way for centuries. But, if it hadn't been for mistrust between two powerful wizards, the Seven would have never been born. Sometimes bad works out for good, and that's something that the people you left behind don't understand."
They reached the theater. Though there was a main entrance to the left, where many of the people who had been at the warehouse could be seen in their seats, Marcus pointed to a smaller door off to the left. It was in the shadows more than the main entrances, and a passerby might not even notice it if he were to come to the ceremony. "Daniel will want to see you personally since you weren't on the guest list. And if I'm not mistaken, we're right on time. Are you ready?"
Adarian Ackland
There was a long silence between the two men as they made their trek through the jungle. There was little more that Adarian felt like saying on the subject of his "betrayal." Of course, that was the science of lying. Too much detail often gave away the person away. Simplicity is the key. Simple is believable. Adarian's past was no secret to the majority of the wizarding world and is simple enough to imagine the young man being persecuted for his action on that night four years ago. Yes, simple was indeed believable and it seemed, at least for the moment, that Marcus believed him.
Marcus continued their conversation as they neared the ceremony. "You'll find a lot of that in life," Marcus told Adarian. "It doesn't end here. If you live up to Daniel's expectations, we'll be your new family. But, if you're like a lot of the people here, we'll always question your true motives and desires. A lot of people here don't have any wish to make the world a better place. Some are here just because they want some wealth and power. Others are here because they know what's coming, and they'd rather accept it and join it than to resist it and end up worse off than they were before. The higher-ups may or not trust you, but I can guarantee that not all of your peers will trust you. It's been that way for centuries. But, if it hadn't been for mistrust between two powerful wizards, the Seven would have never been born. Sometimes bad works out for good, and that's something that the people you left behind don't understand."
"Sir," Adarian began softly, a note of determination in his voice. "I'm not here to be liked or trusted by my peers. I'm here to serve the cause, to serve Lord Marsden, and to carry out his orders with precision and efficiency. I've been alone for my whole life. I don't need to rely on anyone. I don't need to be carried. I'm not a coward that's hiding from the inevitable like some of the people here. Nor am I petty criminal seeking wealth or power. I have wealth, sir," Adarian added with a small chuckle. "I have power. Maybe not on the scale of Marsden and his master, or even yourself." Adarian said with a shrug. "But I do have power and have no need to steal from, or murder those that are weaker than me to build it."
Adarian looked up as he noticed a building appear before them. A decent sized building that spread out before them. Adarian noticed some of the men from the warehouse. He made sure to appear calm and ready, not hesitating to make eye contact with anyone he came across. He cared little if they considered it a challenge to their testosterone fueled need for supremacy. Adarian was here for one reason and one reason only. Infiltration. Until part one of his mission was successful he could focus on nothing else. The young man cursed himself for not noticing that small side entrance that he was being lead to. He'd been caught up in playing his role that he allowed himself to become inattentive.
"Daniel will want to see you personally since you weren't on the guest list. And if I'm not mistaken, we're right on time. Are you ready?"
Adarian's pulse raced at the man's words. Of course, it made sense. Adarian wasn't even supposed to be there. Of course, Marsden would want to speak with him in private. They did have a history, after all. Whether or not Adarian was actually ready for this, there was only one answer. "Yes," Adarian said simply and quietly, waiting for Marcus to open the door and lead him in.
Hirosoka Sasaki
Hirosoka was far too used to this by now. Every so often, one of Daniel's top agents would bring in a new set of recruits to be trained. They would always come to this auditorium first, to hear somewhat of an orientation. Though he was accustomed to the goings-on at the Dojo (he would be, as he was in charge of the entire island), and quite good at what he did there, he still found no enjoyment in his work. While Daniel spoke to the crowd before he was to speak, he stood off to the side in the shadows, staring at a worn-looking photograph intently. Though his life was complicated and not at all what he had planned, he was glad to do it. He constantly reminded himself about who he was doing all this for. He was reminding himself now, as the person in the photograph beamed at him. After a moment, he folded the picture and pocketed it. He would keep his end of the bargain until his last breath. If that meant he would live out his life as a Seven, more specifically one of Marsden's six friends, so be it.
I now introduce you to Hirosoka Sasaki, master of the Dojo, and your new teacher.
His turn. He stepped up to the podium to speak, his face void of all emotion. He spoke in a low voice, and though his words were quite clear, it was apparent that English was not his first language. "You're all here for different reasons," he said. "Some of you are here for wealth. Some of you are here for power, and some of you are here merely because you fear the man who just spoke. I will now tell you the real reason you're here: You're here because you were chosen to be here. Each one of you were brought here for a purpose. You were chosen to be here because It, like you, was chosen long ago. And now that It makes the decisions, we answer to It. I can't tell you what your purpose is. Neither can Daniel Marsden. But rest assured, you were brought here for a purpose, and you'll know what it is when the time is right.
"For the next three months, you will live on this island, and you will be trained in powerful magic, both offensive and defensive. You will also be trained in a number of forms of martial arts and unarmed combat. Right now, you can fight off a couple of men. I can teach you to fight off 20. Here, your powers won't be hindered as they are in the outside world, they will be focused. Your time here will be spent sharpening all of your skills, so you too can serve It like many have before you." Hirosoka held his left hand up in the light and removed an old glove. The light from the large fire made his palm easily visible, and the number seven that had been burned into it years earlier now shown as an old scar. "To the Chosen Number."
With that, Hirosoka stepped away from the podium, allowing Daniel the floor once again. Hirosoka left, turning down a hallway and travelling down it right as Marcus and a young man were making there way to the stage. Hirosoka looked at the boy, and their eyes met as they passed each other, though neither spoke to the other.
Adarian Ackland
Entering the narrow hallway did little to ease Adarian's apprehension and he stayed silent as the pair made their way down it's length. It was nearly impossible for the young man to keep his mind from drifting to all the people that he cared about. He tried his best to remain focus but the fact the hallway seemed to stretch out forever before him wasn't helping anything. Adarian thought of his friends, Kalaira, Jacqueline, Dante, and everyone else from the Revolution. He thought of Jospeh Withcard. Witchard had stood by Adarian when no one else would. For that, Adarian would be eternally thankful. Then there was Candance. She surely hated him, as she should, for what he put her through that night in the forest. Adarian tried to console himself with the fact that it was for her own good. It wasn't helping. It never helped. Now here he was. Adarian had managed to do the impossible by convincing Marcus Linthux that he was on the level. Now he had to speak with Daniel Marsden, himself, and do it all over again. Adarian and Daniel had a history. It may have been a brief history but it was still there. It made Adarian fairly certain that he wouldn't be all that welcoming to the brat that insulted him four years ago.
The sound of someone speaking from the auditorium could be here, though Adarian could not make out what the disembodied voice was saying. Adarian's hearing was acute enough to pick up on the fact that after a moment, the voice that was speaking was a new voice. It frustrated the young man that he wasn't quite close enough to pick up on what had been said in the auditorium. This was obviously some kind of orientation of sorts. Was it the typical speech? Did Sir Daniel Marsden present himself to the new recruits? Marsden had to be present, after all, since they were on their way to meet with him. Adarian's mind was flooded with questions. Question that, at the moment, he had no answers for.
"To the Chosen Number."
The first clear words that Adarian had caught since they entered the hallway. They were followed by the first voice beginning to speak again and, oh how Adarian longed to be in that auditorium. He wanted to be sitting among the new recruits listening to the oration of the Seven's top generals and possibly even Marsden, himself. Adarian's gaze had never left the end of the hallway and he was surprised when he saw a dark haired (Japanese was his best guess) man enter from the side. Adarian figured that it lead to the stage and wondered if the second voice had belonged to this man. The man passed, their eyes locked and Adarian felt a shiver race down his spine. The man's face seemed cold, yet contemplative. Adarian could instantly tell by the man's posture and the way he carried himself that he wasn't one to be trifled with. With a sigh, Adarian hoped with all his heart to never have to cross wands with that man.
Daniel Marsden
Daniel patted Hirosoka's shoulder as the man walked away from the podium, allowing him to speak to his new followers. He wasted no time in giving them an order, which would be the first of many for years to come. "Now, all of you take the exit you used to come in. Once you're all accounted for, my associates will escort you to the barracks. You'll have one hour in the barracks' mess-hall to get a bite to eat before you're escorted to your dormitory. Get some sleep, because tomorrow is going to be rough for all of you. As for your dinner, I recommend the fillet mignon, cooked medium. Tonight's dessert is mince pie." With an indifferent look at all of them, Daniel added, "As you were." He then left the auditorium to mixed emotions: some clapped in respect to him while others whispered curiously to one another, asking if he was joking about the mess-hall that sounded a lot more like an exclusive restaurant.
As for Daniel, he had already eaten a nice dinner for the evening. Though it would be somewhat amusing to see their faces at the sight of the five-star "mess-hall" and their realization that what they had committed to reciprocated greatly in their favor, it had been a long day. More research had proven useless, and the shield seemed further away than ever. It was hidden somewhere at Hogwarts, he was sure of it. But even though he had penetrated Hogwarts' defenses many times before, there was no way he could do enough exploration there indefinitely without being eventually detected. With this in mind, he looked forward to a glass of wine and an hour or two of reading by firelight in his study. That always cheered him up.
Then, as he turned a corner, his eyes widened in shock at a most unusual sight: Marcus Linthux, his closest friend and personal advisor, escorting a young man who he hadn't seen in person for years. A young man that had escaped with someone he had vowed to kill someday in addition to the young man himself. Daniel stopped in front of the two, eying both of them shrewdly. He then looked Adarian in the eyes, quietly studying him with his piercing gaze. "Marcus, should I take my wand and curse him right here and now? What in the name Rowena Ravenclaw is he doing here?"
Adarian Ackland
It took Adarian a moment to realize that he'd stopped walking all together and was watching the mysterious man make his trek down the long hallway. There was just something captivating about him. Had Adarian been a painter he would have begged to put the man on canvas and show him to the world but that type of artistic capability had always been beyond Adarian's reach. Sighing as he watch after the man, Adarian finally turned and continued to make his own way down the hall. For a brief second he'd felt connected to the man. As if they both marched to an uncertain fate and had already accepted whatever it was that they'd find there. There had been many night where Adarian had laid awake in bed wondering if it was ego or if it truly was a sense of duty that compelled him to do this. What made him so much better suited for this task than someone else? Why was he here putting his life on the line when he could be back in London with Candance? Another small sigh escaped his lips as one word spiraled down through his thoughts.Candance.
Adarian had taken ten paces when he saw another figure emerge from the same door. This time there was no wondering about who it may be. It had been four year but Adarian would recognize that man anywhere. Feeling his face growing warm, Adarian took a deep breath and put his best mask back on. He carried himself with a quiet sense of confidence, as if nothing could touch. Not even Daniel Marsden, himself. Adarian straightened his coat as he watched the man approach, giving the man a polite bow filled with every ounce respect that someone of his power deserved. Yes, Adarian hated Daniel to his very core but he also respected him for everything he'd achieved.
He then looked Adarian in the eyes, quietly studying him with his piercing gaze. "Marcus, should I take my wand and curse him right here and now? What in the name Rowena Ravenclaw is he doing here?"
There was a brief moment that left Adarian wanting to shrivel beneath Marsden's gaze and sneak off into the shadows but he didn't. Adarian stood his ground returning Marsden's piercing gaze with one of his own. He could see the hatred in the crime lord's eyes and couldn't blame him one bit. Adarian had quite literally spit on Marsden in their last meeting and only survived because of his father. "With all do respect, sir, he is here to serve." Adarian said boldly. "Loyally...." He added after the fact, thinking of his father.
Daniel Marsden
Daniel listened to what he had to say. When he finished, he glanced briefly at Marcus. If Marcus brought Adarian Ackland here for something, Daniel was inclined to believe it was for something important. But why was Marcus so convinced? Marcus had been his best and most trusted friend since they were small boys. He was highly intelligent; a lot smarter than many of the people there. Smarter than some of the other six friends, even. But Daniel wasn't convinced. Least of all by this boy; his father was a scoundrel who couldn't be trusted, and Daniel lived by the old saying like father like son. Daniel prided himself in being one of the few exceptions to this rule.
He would allow Marcus to give his account of what had happened that night in a moment. Right now, he wanted to have his say with Adarian. "And what would you, Adarian Ackland, know about loyalty?" he said softly. "Your dad didn't last. What makes you so different than those who have proceeded you? Look at Marcus. He has devoted his life, longer than you can imagine, in service to something that he has never seen. Something he will never see. You, on the other hand, have acquainted yourself with wizards who are content to just sit around and do nothing while there is work to be done. Wizards who teach their young important life lessons while they ignore the most important lessons of all."
Daniel reached down and gently took Adarian's left hand, holding the palm up to the torch light. The scar in the shape of the number seven was now the same as any old scar, but Daniel remembered vividly the night the boy had gotten it. Fresh, blood-red, and no doubt very painful. Adarian was the only person who had the mark and had never called themselves one of Marsden's. "You may look like us, but you're not one of us," he said, letting go of the hand. "So give me a good reason why you shouldn't be taken to the other island to spend the rest of your life in a cell."
Adarian Ackland
It would have been a lie if Adarian had said that Marsden’s words didn’t sting. Part of what the crime lord said rang true. Possibly more true than even Marsden realized at the time. What did Adarian know of loyalty? Here he was, far away from everyone he was loyal to, everyone he cared about, spying on the most dangerous group of individuals in the world. He was speaking of loyalty while hiding every intention of betraying these people and bringing them to an swift and appropriate end. Still the words stung, as if he had some right to be offended by what Daniel said. Adarian narrowed his eyes slightly as the leader of The Seven finished speaking.
“I am not my father,“ Adarian said, rising up to his full height and looking Daniel Marsden in the eyes. His tone was deep and severe but not overtly challenging. “My father didn’t last because he his not as cunning, intelligent, or willing to get what needs to be done as I am, sir. My father is useless, no good, waste of space that should be wiped from the face of this world. I assure you, on all I am, that I’m here to see this through, to succeed where my father failed. Believe me when I say this, sir, that when I choose a side my loyalties are unwavering. To be bluntly honest, until tonight, I never chose a side.” The cold passion that filled Adarian voice sent chills down his own spine as he spoke. “Yes, I have acquainted myself with certain members of the wizarding community that are perfectly willing to sit by and not step up to do what needs to be done but I am trusted by those people. It’s a trust you may be able to use to your benefit. If you want my father dead, I could deliver his corpse to you on a silver platter!”
Adarian looked down at his hand, staring at the same scar that Daniel had just observed. “You say that I may look like one of you but I’m not.” Adarian’s eyes flickered from Marsden to Linthux as he remembered the reason he gave Marcus for seeking out the Seven. “I look like them. I talk like them!” Adarian said, making a vague gesture towards everyone else. “But I’m not!” Adarian held up his palm so that the numeral seven burned into his palm could be clearly seen. “I’ve been one of you since I was thirteen years old and only just now have found the good sense to see it.”
Locking eyes with Daniel once more, Adarian smiled. “You want a reason not to send me to a cell? Fine,” he said, his eyes blues eyes digging directly into Marsden’s “I can be the greatest champion of your cause. I’m young, able, and willing. All I need is the training and the chance, sir. Besides, think of my father’s face when the last thing he sees is me standing next to you.”
Daniel Marsden
Daniel listened to Adarian with mild interest. He was giving him a chance to make his case, but he dared not let his guard down. Joseph Witchard trusted his TOEs just as Daniel trusted his Sevens. The fact that Adarian Ackland, who had been quite keen to shoot his mouth off before, had wandered so willingly into their midst raised several flags, at least. It was not entirely impossible for the boy to truly have had a change of heart, as many of his followers needed time to come to their senses. But he was not altogether convinced of of this so-called "loyalty". He needed to push further.
After staring into Adarian's eyes for awhile, he left the boy's gaze and turned to the other man in the hallway. Marcus, his best and most trustworthy friend, would know what to do. Apart from the Number, Marcus was the only person he trusted without the shadow of a doubt. He no doubt had a good reason for bringing Adarian to their home, whether it be to make him an ally or else to torture him for information. "I apologize for keeping you silent this long, old friend," said Daniel. "Our friend here obviously made you feel that he should be here. What did he do to make you such a believer?"
Marcus Linthux
Marcus listened to Daniel and Adarian exchange words, looking back and forth between the two as each took a turn to talk. Marcus was far too used to to Daniel to be too surprised by his reaction; cunning and calm, Marsden was putting Adarian through his own little interrogation, watching and studying him for weakness and signs of untruthfulness. Adarian, while saying pretty much the same things he had told Marcus, kept nearly as cool as Daniel, and Marcus was quite impressed to see someone so young hold their own against the cleverest and most powerful wizard of the age. A sight such as this was rarely seen, and Marcus was grateful that he was the one who got to observe the show.
Daniel asked his question, making Marcus immediately meet his friend and employer's eye. "He was followed, Daniel," said Marcus. "By one of them. Jake Green, the Healer that set up shop just outside of Hogwarts. And Adarian didn't hesitate; he killed him right then and there. None of us ordered him to, either. He heard enough of what Green had to say and killed him in an instant. It was as if he's been using Unforgivable Curses since he started school. I checked Green's body right afterward, and he was just... gone. Nothing more than dead weight. We dumped the body somewhere isolated and conjured the mark, so Witchard will know soon enough if he doesn't already know. The Order of the Eight has been dealt a serious blow tonight, Daniel."
Adarian Ackland
Something dangerous flashed in Adarian's eyes as Marcus replied to Daniel. A twisted smile appeared on the corner of his lips that was so strongly reminiscent of his father that it was almost unnerving. Adarian took the hatred he felt for the people around him and channeled it into his performance. His icy blue eyes remained locked on Daniel, studying every expression and subtle movement. He was standing before the most powerful person in the wizarding world and there was a lot that Adarian could learn from him, no matter how much he may have hated the man.
What Marcus said was true, though. Joseph and the rest of TOE probably already knew about Jake's "demise." Adarian rolled a coin across his knuckles casually as he hoped that Jake suffered no ill effects from the spell that Joseph made to fool Marcus and the other Sevens. Carefully sliding the coin into his pocket, Adarian straightened his jacket and a ran a hand through his short hair.
"Jake Green was a pathetic excuse for a wizard and now Joseph Witchard now where my loyalties truly lie," Adarian said boldly. "Sir, I've struck a blow at the very heart of Witchard's little group of misguided rejects. They don't see the bigger picture at all." Adarian held up his palm to the two men. "Three years ago I was forced into this against my will. I was too young to understand. I didn't get it. I want the chance to truly understand what it is you're trying to accomplish. I want the chance to learn from the most cunning wizard of our age. I offer my service and unwavering loyalty."
Adarian fell silent, his eyes still locked on Daniel's.
Daniel Marsden
Daniel's eyes remained locked on Adarian's just the same as the young man finished pleading his case. Perhaps, just maybe, he did have a place for someone like this in his arsenal. His lack of experience in both the wizarding and "under" worlds would take time to get past, but this would be better. Adarian was fresh clay; he could be molded, modeled, manipulated. Someone defecting to his side instead of cowering under Joseph Witchard's protection was a pleasant change, too. Desmond Doddridge had no doubt told TOE a lot of the Seven's secrets, and now Daniel would do the same thing with Ackland. The only difference in the two situations was that he was careful which eggs he put in which basket, whereas Witchard was too trusting for his own good.
"You want to join the ranks of the most powerful wizards of the age?" he said. "Those who are blessed beyond what their mind can comprehend? Fine, then, but remember this: you belong to the Number, now. And in turn, you belong to me. You'll eat what we tell you to eat, sleep where we tell you to sleep, do what we tell you to do. Your life as you know it will cease to exist." He exchanged a quick glance with Marcus, knowing that they were thinking the same thing: there were heroes on both sides. Deceit was everywhere. And they would use the confusion and mistrust among the commoners to their advantage.
"Marcus will take you to the barracks," Daniel went on. "Ordinarily, you would train with the recruits you were among tonight. However, I have something special in mind for you. I'm going to arrange for you to have private lessons with our enforcer, starting first thing tomorrow morning. Get some rest, because you're new here. The next few weeks are going to be very unpleasant."
Looking from one to the other, Daniel said, "Now goodnight, gentlemen." Without another word, Daniel Marsden disapparated.
Adarian Ackland
Adarian remained silent while listening to Daniel. He knew there was nothing he could or needed to add. He'd pleaded his case to the best of his ability and would stand tall and unwavering in the face of Daniel Marsden's judgment. It was a little unsettling to Adarian that from now on he could never falter. He had to do anything and everything that was asked of him, no matter how heinous. If he failed at this mission, more would be lost than just his life. He was a valuable source of information to TOE. His mind drifted to Jake. Adarian had never realized it but they both had accepted similar fates. Jake threw himself into anonymity, never free to live his life out in the open. Adarian had sacrificed his life as well. The first part of the mission had gone off without a hitch. From now on, things would never be the same.
The loud crack that accompanied Daniel's disapparation startled Adarian a bit more than it normally would have, given the circumstances. His eyes slowly drifted from the spot where the crime lord had been standing back do the hallway in the direction the mysterious and contemplative man had been going. Deep down in Adarian's gut he knew that that was the man Daniel had been speaking of. That was the "enforcer" he'd be training with. Very strange indeed, Adarian thought as his eyes finally came to rest on Marcus'. "Given my colorful history with this organization, I'm assuming that my special instruction is the perfect way to keep tabs on me," Adarian said with a casual smile as he turned towards the door. "I can't say that I blame you. I'm ready and willing to give whatever is asked of me, sir." Adarian's gaze never faltered. It remained icy and fixed on Marcus.
"Shall we?" Asked Adarian, motioning down the hall in the direction they'd just come.
Marcus Linthux
Marcus' eyes were void of emotion, though he was rather surprised. As Daniel disapparated, no doubt ready to turn in after a long day of work, he turned his focus back on Adarian. He was too taken aback by what had just happened to answer the boy's question. He merely shrugged his shoulders before motioning for Adarian to follow him. "Come on," he said slowly. "You've got a long day ahead of you, so you need your rest. The barracks aren't too far; once you're there, you'll be able to get a bite to eat and something to drink before you turn in for the night."
Marcus began to lead the way, thinking about everything that was ahead of the young man. Training for the Seven wasn't an easy task, and even if you succeeded, it was a hard life from there on out. Private sessions with Hirosoka were no doubt going to be more of a challenge than group lessons like normal recruits went through. But he supposed that was all part of the plan. From what he knew about Adarian Ackland, Marcus knew he was a fighter, and who better to prepare him for the important assignment he had been given than Hirosoka? Marcus couldn't think of anyone, save perhaps Daniel himself. And with these thoughts in mind, Marcus was brought back to his slight, albeit genuine astonishment of the situation. Adarian hadn't even flinched, and it suddenly occurred to him that it often took time for new grunts to grow accustomed to the way Daniel thought out loud and gave instruction with nothing more than a few random words and a cold gaze that could freeze hell over.
"You're taking this awfully well," said Marcus as the neared the exit. "Are you sure you appreciate the magnitude of what he just asked you to do?"
Adarian Ackland
Marcus' words sounded muffled to Adarian. It was almost as if the entire hallway had been submerged in water. Everything even seemed to move a little slower he stared down the hallway. Adarian had somehow managed to infiltrate the Seven against all odds. He wondered if it was his own skill that brought him this far or if it was just simple luck. For the briefest of moments, Adarian wondered if there truly a higher power that maneuvered him into the position and, perhaps a bit cynically, wondered if that higher power was helping him or setting him up for a fall. Adarian didn't notice the fact that he had begun to follow Marcus down the hall, he was entirely too preoccupied with what Daniel had said. "You belong to the number now. And in turn; you belong to me." What did that mean? Adarian was sure that he could manage to find out eventually. Eventually, Adarian thought as his reality seemed to return to normal speed as he and Marcus made their way down the hallway. For the first time Adarian began to wonder just how much of his life he sacrificed to the mission. As the door leading outside was coming closer, Adarian could only hope that this wasn't a fool's errand
When Marcus spoke again it was harder to miss. Adarian's eyes met the floor and he slid his hands into his pockets. "Perhaps I don't," he said flatly, eyes kept intently on the floor. "I'm certain my special instruction will be more intense than what the other recruits go through. Naturally, one must wonder if this is a punishment or an honor. I suppose it could be both," Adarian said with a shrug. "I can tell you that I don't leap before looking, Marcus. I carefully calculate the risks of everything I say and do. This is why I don't flinch in the face of adversity. I knew getting this far would be difficult but I also knew that what came after would be the true test of strength." Adarian held his breath for a moment thinking about everything he'd given up to accomplish. He wanted nothing more than to be able to enjoy the moment. A small victory at the beginning of a long road that held nothing but uncertain battles.
"This night feel as if it's lasted an eternity," Adarian said to Marcus, the faintest hints of a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "The notion of food and a relatively comfortable place to lay my hand sounds incredibly appealing right now." Adarian could feel that every muscle in his neck was tense from the stress of the evening. A hot meal and warm shower would a long way. Sleep too, was a welcome friend at this point. Adarian simply hoped it would come easily.
Marcus Linthux
Marcus' assumption appeared to be correct, and he wondered for a brief moment how Adarian would take the news. Marsden had just asked a very tall order from the boy, though what the order consisted of was something that would guarantee him a spot in the Seven for eternity if he completed the mission. He knew what Daniel was thinking; this was as much of an attack out of hatred as it was to assure that Adarian's change of allegiance wasn't some sort of trick.
Marcus listened to everything Adarian told him, making a note of his confidence. Confidence was a key, but it could also hurt him. Marcus had seen plenty of Sevens fall from grace with Daniel, or else die, from their overconfidence causing them to stumble. Marcus wasn't really sure which outcome was worse, but he was leaning towards losing favor with Marsden. Adarian's father, in fact, had made the mistake falling out of Daniel's good graces, and he was going to pay dearly; Aaron Ackland might have thought that he was safe within the walls of the Ministry, hiding his true identity from everyone, but his time was coming soon. Daniel Marsden was not one to be toyed with, as Desmond Doddridge and Alexis Toomney learned all too well. Marcus sincerely hoped that Adarian was no such fool as those two and his father.
"I'm glad you feel that way, because you've got a lot of work ahead of you," said Marcus. He stopped in front of Adarian and turned to face the young man, meeting his gaze. "When Daniel said he had something 'special' for you, he didn't mean a big heist or transporting some illegal items. He wants you to kill Joseph Witchard." His face void of any specific expression, Marcus turned around and started walking again.
Adarian Ackland
The force behind Marcus' words felt like a sledge hammer hit Adarian right in the chest. He was utterly speechless and there was no hiding the shock on his face this time. There was no playing it cool. There was no way to keep the color from draining from his face. With any luck he'd be able to play it off as being a little overwhelmed with the task of taking down a very powerful and well respected wizard such as Joseph Witchard. All the sound in the world once again was muffled, as if Adarian had just been dunked in a tank of water. He was sick sick at the thought of his assignment that he could swear he felt hands on his chest trying to keep him from rising out of the water. It was like his own mind was trying to drown him before he could wrap his head around the notion of killing his friend and mentor. The very man that sheltered him from the Ministry and protected him after his encounter with the Seven. The very man who trusted him enough to allow him to walk into this lion's den and not become corrupted by it.
The sound of Marcus' footstep on the hallway floor roused Adarian from his reverie. He watch the man for a second. Marcus had never blinked, never stuttered. Marcus said it like it was a casual notion, the killing of a man. Then again, just a hours earlier, Adarian acted as if it was no bigger a deal than drawing a breath. Adarian respected the man's cold and calculating nature but grew even more wary of him. He was one to be watched closely from now on.
Adarian fell in behind Marcus, following him to the barracks. Now, even more than before, was he ready to rest his weary bones. It had been an impossibly long day and it didn't seem like the night was going to pass any quicker. In fact, it would be a miracle if Adarian slept at all. Adarian's mind drifted to the mysterious man he'd passed in the hallway. His gut told him that that man was going to be his instructor. One thing was certain: Adarian's time at the Seven Deaths would be infinitely enlightening. He was dreading the following morning when his intensified training would begin. This was definitely going to be an adventure.
(OOC: Combined threads from the previous site)
Marcus Linthux
Though unpleasant, Marcus had become used to the unique sensation apparition caused years ago. Having been in a warehouse mere seconds ago, he and Adarian Ackland now felt like they were being squeezed tightly by the darkness that surrounded them as they traveled to Daniel Marsden. Marcus had done this far too many times to really care, but he wondered how Adarian was taking their time in transit. Adarian was still young, and though he had been an adult for several years now, Marcus was unsure if Adarian had much experience with apparition, or if he had a license to begin with. Many wizards still preferred brooms and Floo Powder, after all.
Marcus and Adarian reappeared at their destination, and Marcus' lungs filled with air that had the distinct scent of saltwater that he knew all too well. He felt what was unmistakably sand beneath his feet, and the sound of waves crashing against the dark beach was so familiar that he knew without a doubt where he was: home sweet home.
Marcus opened his eyes. They were on an island; though it was dark, one could barely make out the other islands surrounding the one they were on. He looked ahead, and sure enough, hundreds of candles were floating beside each other, lighting a wide path that led into the jungle before them. There was a pillar of smoke rising into the sky that was coming from something (no doubt a large fire) deeper in the jungle. Marcus swallowed. "We're here," he said.
Adarian Ackland
The unique feeling that came along with apparition was not something that Adarian wasn't used. It was actually quite the contrary. Thus far, however, his experience had been limited to bouncing between places within the United Kingdom, mostly between TOEs headquarters in Surrey and his own estate in Ireland. They long distances to cover to be sure but he'd never traveled quite this far before. In fact, Adarian had never even been outside of the United Kingdom before and by how long the trip was taking, he was certain they were far, far away from London. Adarian wasn't happy to admit it too himself but the trip was so long that it made him quite nauseous. That was something hadn't happen to the young man since his very first time.
The feeling of semi-solid ground beneath his feet was comforting to Adrian though he still couldn't stop himself from dropping to one knee and taking a moment to catch his breath. The smell of salt wave filled the air and the sound of crashing waves surrounded him. They were on a beach. It was dark, but Adarian could feel the sand beneath his hands and see the hundreds of floating candles that folded out before him, carving a path through the dark jungle. Were they on an island? There was no way that Adarian could be certain without asking. Adarian forced a sigh from his lungs. Now certain that the nausea was gone, he stood up and straightened himself up to his full height. "
Marcus swallowed. "We're here," he said.
Where exactly is here, sir?" Adarian asked curiously. Fortunately Adarian didn't have to fake the curiosity he was currently experiencing. It was quite genuine.
Adarian closed his eyes and tried to focus himself to the task once more. The trip had taken more out of him than he'd anticipated and now would be a really bad time for a slip up. So far, so good, Adarian thought to himself as he watched the large pillar of smoke rise into the air. Of course, "good' was a relative term. He was now firmly in within striking distance of the enemy. The down side was that they were within striking distance of him and any one of them would be more than happy to take him down. It seemed that Adarian's father had left quite a scar on the memories of the members of the Seven and they weren't inclined to accept his son in their midst.
With a casual sense of ease about him, Adarian straightened his clothes and tucked his wand into the inside pocket of his jacket. He had several habits that were incredibly similar to his father and he'd have to work hard to hold them back as to not provoke anyone who may want vengeance for what Aaron Ackland did four years prior. Putting his wand away so he couldn't twirl it between his fingers like dear old dad seemed like a good place to start to Adarian. "Shall we?" Adarian asked, motioning to the candle lit path. He hoped they'd get moving soon. I never did like the beach, Adarian thought to himself as he waited.
Marcus Linthux
Marcus gave Adarian a few moments to regain his composure. He thought that, perhaps, it would have been more prudent to let Adarian travel by portkey, like the rest of the new recruits, as the distance they traveled was known to be hard on the body. But he would have to get used to it sooner or later, and since Adarian had shown up uninvited that evening, Marcus felt better about watching him personally than to let someone else do so.
Marcus watched the smoke rise as he answered Adarian. "We call it the Dojo," said Marcus. "It's a school. A training facility for new members. We're not far from the island that you and your friends were taken to a few years back," he added, turning from the smoke to Adarian's face to study him. "Every member of the Seven starts their work here. You may have gotten your education from Hogwarts, but that was just the beginning. Here, you'll be molded into the perfect wizarding soldier. You'll learn to be cunning, and quick, able to make the best decision in a split second. After awhile, you'll be able to take down any opponent with an arsenal of offensive magic and deadly hand-to-hand combat." With another look at Adarian, he said, "your father stood here years ago, where you're standing right now. I hope that you turn out to be more loyal than he did. Because of you don't," he said, pausing, "Daniel's going to see to it that you, and everyone you've ever cared about, suffer."
Marcus turned back to the path that led into the jungle. "Come on. The ceremony's going to start soon."
Adarian Ackland
Marcus watched the smoke rise as he answered Adarian. "We call it the Dojo," said Marcus. "It's a school. A training facility for new members. We're not far from the island that you and your friends were taken to a few years back," he added, turning from the smoke to Adarian's face to study him. "Every member of the Seven starts their work here. You may have gotten your education from Hogwarts, but that was just the beginning. Here, you'll be molded into the perfect wizarding soldier. You'll learn to be cunning, and quick, able to make the best decision in a split second. After awhile, you'll be able to take down any opponent with an arsenal of offensive magic and deadly hand-to-hand combat."
Adarian's icy blue eyes stayed glued to the man who was still watching the smoke rise into the air, even as he spoke. The Dojo? Adarian thought to himself and filed the name away in the back of his mind to give to Witchard next time they spoke. Even as Adarian was deep in thought he never allowed himself to appear inattentive or distracted. He kept his eyes glued to Marcus Linthux. It took a moment for the man's words to sink in and for the first time since Linthux started speaking, Adarian's eyes left him. Looking down at nothing in particular Adarian realized that there would be no escape for him if he were found. This is where the Seven trained their operatives. This is the reason the one member of the Seven seemed so potent against the apparently ill equipped Auror and Hit Wizards. It was also the first time that Adarian realized that if he survived this ordeal he would be one of the very monsters he was trying to stop. He would be deadly and cold; able to make to a take a life without a moment's notice. Adarian felt sick to his stomach.
"Yes, sir," he said in a tone of voice that only held determination. "I've been ready for this for quite some time," he added. Adarian looked down at the palm of his left hand. The branded seven that was burned into his palm was barely visible in the flickering candlelight. "This is my destiny. I will follow the path." Adarian's icy blue eyes shown brightly with rage. "Make me your perfect soldier. I'll do whatever is necessary. Then point at the our enemies and I'll make them regret standing before us. All I ask is that if we ever make a strike at my father, I get the kill." Adarian's jaw was clinched in pure anger. This was one emotion he did not have to fake.
With another look at Adarian, he said, "your father stood here years ago, where you're standing right now. I hope that you turn out to be more loyal than he did. Because of you don't," he said, pausing, "Daniel's going to see to it that you, and everyone you've ever cared about, suffer."
Adarian practically growled as he spoke to the man, fist clinched and feet set into the sand. "I am not my father! I know very well where my loyalties lie and when the heat is on I'll prove it to each and every one of you!" As if returning to his sense, Adarian allowed his body to relax and he took a step back. "My apologies, sir." he said softly. "I did not mean to offend, it's just--" Adarian broke off with a shrug. There was no need to explain the situation. Linthux was a clever and intelligent man. He knew why Adarian's outburst had happened.
Marcus turned back to the path that led into the jungle. "Come on. The ceremony's going to start soon."
Adarian fell in pace behind the man. "Ceremony, sir?" he asked, keeping his eyes on the path.
Marcus Linthux
"Yes, sir," he said in a tone of voice that only held determination. "I've been ready for this for quite some time," he added. Adarian looked down at the palm of his left hand. The branded seven that was burned into his palm was barely visible in the flickering candlelight. "This is my destiny. I will follow the path." Adarian's icy blue eyes shown brightly with rage. "Make me your perfect soldier. I'll do whatever is necessary. Then point at the our enemies and I'll make them regret standing before us. All I ask is that if we ever make a strike at my father, I get the kill." Adarian's jaw was clinched in pure anger. This was one emotion he did not have to fake.
"That's just it," said Marcus, not looking at him. "You're not going to be my perfect soldier. You're not going to even be Daniel's perfect soldier. We'll find out soon enough if this is truly your destiny." Marcus finally faced Adarian. "Everyone answers to someone, Adarian. I answer to the man who's been my best friend for as long as I can remember. But he, and ultimately all of us, answer to someone else. Someone who sees to it that the world runs smoothly. Daniel Marsden, while a great leader, is the messenger for the true leader. Our leader is someone who is and always will be." His face only barely visible in the flickering candle light, Marcus looked very mysterious. "We call it the Chosen Number, but It is more commonly known as Seven." Marcus paused and looked ahead at the smoke once again. Nodding his head, he said, "We'll teach you everything you need to know. But if you're not meant to be here, it will become very apparent. And if so, there's no use fighting it. The Number chooses who It chooses. If it hasn't chosen you," he added, looking back at Adarian, "don't bother."
"The ceremony we're going to is for all new recruits. It's the same thing every time; I've become quite used to it. Everyone will gather around the fire, and Daniel will say a few words. After that, everyone will be branded with our mark (not you, obviously), and then living quarters will be assigned. You'll live on this island for as long as your training lasts. After that, other arrangements will be made, depending on what work you're assigned to. I'll be frank with you; I don't know how well you did in school, but only half of the training on this island will consist of spellwork. The other half of the time, you'll be learning every effective and deadly form of unarmed combat known to man. If you're not the type that goes for a morning jog, your body is going to be begging you for death. You are not to indulge its request; everything you learn here, if you apply yourself, will help you for the rest of your life. That's where the wizarding world at large fails; they rely too much on their own magic, not taking into account how valuable doing things with your hands instead of your wand can be."
With a quick gesture to Adarian, Marcus started down the path toward the ceremony. While on their trek through the jungle, Marcus was thinking about everything he had said to Adarian, the dark sky and the various island-life sounds adding a sinister feel to their journey. He had only told Adarian what was completely true, and whether the boy believed him or thought he was insane, Marcus knew that Adarian would come to know the truth when the time was right. He wouldn't at all be surprised if Daniel himself explained some things to him, after getting over the shock of seeing a traitor's offspring in his presence. The boy had, after all, killed a former classmate without blinking an eye. Thus far, he was proving his loyalty much more than any other spy ever had, if Adarian turned out to be a spy.
"Do you mind if I ask what made you change your mind?" said Marcus as their walk continued. You've been with TOE for a long time now. What it something Joseph Witchard did?"
Adarian Ackland
"That's just it," said Marcus, not looking at him. "You're not going to be my perfect soldier. You're not going to even be Daniel's perfect soldier. We'll find out soon enough if this is truly your destiny." Marcus finally faced Adarian. "Everyone answers to someone, Adarian. I answer to the man who's been my best friend for as long as I can remember. But he, and ultimately all of us, answer to someone else. Someone who sees to it that the world runs smoothly. Daniel Marsden, while a great leader, is the messenger for the true leader. Our leader is someone who is and always will be." His face only barely visible in the flickering candle light, Marcus looked very mysterious. "We call it the Chosen Number, but It is more commonly known as Seven." Marcus paused and looked ahead at the smoke once again. Nodding his head, he said, "We'll teach you everything you need to know. But if you're not meant to be here, it will become very apparent. And if so, there's no use fighting it. The Number chooses who It chooses. If it hasn't chosen you," he added, looking back at Adarian, "don't bother."
Adarian was not going to pretend that he understood all of what Marcus was talking about. The core concepts were easy enough to grasp and he respected the man's loyalty. Everyone assumed that Daniel Marsden was operating on his own behalf. Who could he possibly answer to? It had never occurred to Adarian the most notorious man in the wizarding world could be taking orders from someone else. Adarian's head was practically spinning as he tried to wrap his head around everything that Linthux was saying. Who was this "true leader" he was working for? It sound to Adarian like Marcus was referring to a deity of some sort. Needless to say, Adarian was very confused.
Marcus' explanation of the ceremony went in one ear and right out the other. Truthfully, Adarian hadn't even heard hear what Marcus had been saying. He was too focused on trying to piece together a puzzle that had just grown infinitely in size. This was a ground breaking revelation to Adarian and he knew that more pearls of wisdom would be presented to him at the ceremony but he still struggling with the information that Marcus had given him.
"Do you mind if I ask what made you change your mind?" said Marcus as their walk continued. "You've been with TOE for a long time now. What it something Joseph Witchard did?"
Adarian stopped in his tracks, his eyes slowly turning to Linthux. "It wasn't just Witchard," Adarian said with a strong note of bitterness in his voice. "It was everyone. Everyone that's ever heard of me, which is the majority of the wizarding world. Ever since I helped my father kidnap Nedea and Will, I've been treated like a criminal. My motives were never sought out, never asked for. My side of the story didn't matter. Everyone I meet looks at me like I'm the Devil himself. I tried so hard to convince everyone that I was the person they wanted me to be and I finally realized that I wasn't. I was putting on an act. an act I'm now sick of." Adarian took a couple of steps to catch up with Linthux. "This is me accepting who I am. Accepting my fate.," Adarian added softly as they walked along the candle lit path.
Marcus Linthux
As their trek through the jungle continued, what appeared to be a small amphitheater ahead of them came into view. The arena was made of stone, and carved into the side of it were strange, undecipherable runes. The same runes were carved all the way around the theater, from top to bottom. This was the place that the smoke was rising from. The place where Adarian would begin to prove himself to everyone.
Marcus continued their conversation as they neared the ceremony. "You'll find a lot of that in life," Marcus told Adarian. "It doesn't end here. If you live up to Daniel's expectations, we'll be your new family. But, if you're like a lot of the people here, we'll always question your true motives and desires. A lot of people here don't have any wish to make the world a better place. Some are here just because they want some wealth and power. Others are here because they know what's coming, and they'd rather accept it and join it than to resist it and end up worse off than they were before. The higher-ups may or not trust you, but I can guarantee that not all of your peers will trust you. It's been that way for centuries. But, if it hadn't been for mistrust between two powerful wizards, the Seven would have never been born. Sometimes bad works out for good, and that's something that the people you left behind don't understand."
They reached the theater. Though there was a main entrance to the left, where many of the people who had been at the warehouse could be seen in their seats, Marcus pointed to a smaller door off to the left. It was in the shadows more than the main entrances, and a passerby might not even notice it if he were to come to the ceremony. "Daniel will want to see you personally since you weren't on the guest list. And if I'm not mistaken, we're right on time. Are you ready?"
Adarian Ackland
There was a long silence between the two men as they made their trek through the jungle. There was little more that Adarian felt like saying on the subject of his "betrayal." Of course, that was the science of lying. Too much detail often gave away the person away. Simplicity is the key. Simple is believable. Adarian's past was no secret to the majority of the wizarding world and is simple enough to imagine the young man being persecuted for his action on that night four years ago. Yes, simple was indeed believable and it seemed, at least for the moment, that Marcus believed him.
Marcus continued their conversation as they neared the ceremony. "You'll find a lot of that in life," Marcus told Adarian. "It doesn't end here. If you live up to Daniel's expectations, we'll be your new family. But, if you're like a lot of the people here, we'll always question your true motives and desires. A lot of people here don't have any wish to make the world a better place. Some are here just because they want some wealth and power. Others are here because they know what's coming, and they'd rather accept it and join it than to resist it and end up worse off than they were before. The higher-ups may or not trust you, but I can guarantee that not all of your peers will trust you. It's been that way for centuries. But, if it hadn't been for mistrust between two powerful wizards, the Seven would have never been born. Sometimes bad works out for good, and that's something that the people you left behind don't understand."
"Sir," Adarian began softly, a note of determination in his voice. "I'm not here to be liked or trusted by my peers. I'm here to serve the cause, to serve Lord Marsden, and to carry out his orders with precision and efficiency. I've been alone for my whole life. I don't need to rely on anyone. I don't need to be carried. I'm not a coward that's hiding from the inevitable like some of the people here. Nor am I petty criminal seeking wealth or power. I have wealth, sir," Adarian added with a small chuckle. "I have power. Maybe not on the scale of Marsden and his master, or even yourself." Adarian said with a shrug. "But I do have power and have no need to steal from, or murder those that are weaker than me to build it."
Adarian looked up as he noticed a building appear before them. A decent sized building that spread out before them. Adarian noticed some of the men from the warehouse. He made sure to appear calm and ready, not hesitating to make eye contact with anyone he came across. He cared little if they considered it a challenge to their testosterone fueled need for supremacy. Adarian was here for one reason and one reason only. Infiltration. Until part one of his mission was successful he could focus on nothing else. The young man cursed himself for not noticing that small side entrance that he was being lead to. He'd been caught up in playing his role that he allowed himself to become inattentive.
"Daniel will want to see you personally since you weren't on the guest list. And if I'm not mistaken, we're right on time. Are you ready?"
Adarian's pulse raced at the man's words. Of course, it made sense. Adarian wasn't even supposed to be there. Of course, Marsden would want to speak with him in private. They did have a history, after all. Whether or not Adarian was actually ready for this, there was only one answer. "Yes," Adarian said simply and quietly, waiting for Marcus to open the door and lead him in.
Hirosoka Sasaki
Hirosoka was far too used to this by now. Every so often, one of Daniel's top agents would bring in a new set of recruits to be trained. They would always come to this auditorium first, to hear somewhat of an orientation. Though he was accustomed to the goings-on at the Dojo (he would be, as he was in charge of the entire island), and quite good at what he did there, he still found no enjoyment in his work. While Daniel spoke to the crowd before he was to speak, he stood off to the side in the shadows, staring at a worn-looking photograph intently. Though his life was complicated and not at all what he had planned, he was glad to do it. He constantly reminded himself about who he was doing all this for. He was reminding himself now, as the person in the photograph beamed at him. After a moment, he folded the picture and pocketed it. He would keep his end of the bargain until his last breath. If that meant he would live out his life as a Seven, more specifically one of Marsden's six friends, so be it.
I now introduce you to Hirosoka Sasaki, master of the Dojo, and your new teacher.
His turn. He stepped up to the podium to speak, his face void of all emotion. He spoke in a low voice, and though his words were quite clear, it was apparent that English was not his first language. "You're all here for different reasons," he said. "Some of you are here for wealth. Some of you are here for power, and some of you are here merely because you fear the man who just spoke. I will now tell you the real reason you're here: You're here because you were chosen to be here. Each one of you were brought here for a purpose. You were chosen to be here because It, like you, was chosen long ago. And now that It makes the decisions, we answer to It. I can't tell you what your purpose is. Neither can Daniel Marsden. But rest assured, you were brought here for a purpose, and you'll know what it is when the time is right.
"For the next three months, you will live on this island, and you will be trained in powerful magic, both offensive and defensive. You will also be trained in a number of forms of martial arts and unarmed combat. Right now, you can fight off a couple of men. I can teach you to fight off 20. Here, your powers won't be hindered as they are in the outside world, they will be focused. Your time here will be spent sharpening all of your skills, so you too can serve It like many have before you." Hirosoka held his left hand up in the light and removed an old glove. The light from the large fire made his palm easily visible, and the number seven that had been burned into it years earlier now shown as an old scar. "To the Chosen Number."
With that, Hirosoka stepped away from the podium, allowing Daniel the floor once again. Hirosoka left, turning down a hallway and travelling down it right as Marcus and a young man were making there way to the stage. Hirosoka looked at the boy, and their eyes met as they passed each other, though neither spoke to the other.
Adarian Ackland
Entering the narrow hallway did little to ease Adarian's apprehension and he stayed silent as the pair made their way down it's length. It was nearly impossible for the young man to keep his mind from drifting to all the people that he cared about. He tried his best to remain focus but the fact the hallway seemed to stretch out forever before him wasn't helping anything. Adarian thought of his friends, Kalaira, Jacqueline, Dante, and everyone else from the Revolution. He thought of Jospeh Withcard. Witchard had stood by Adarian when no one else would. For that, Adarian would be eternally thankful. Then there was Candance. She surely hated him, as she should, for what he put her through that night in the forest. Adarian tried to console himself with the fact that it was for her own good. It wasn't helping. It never helped. Now here he was. Adarian had managed to do the impossible by convincing Marcus Linthux that he was on the level. Now he had to speak with Daniel Marsden, himself, and do it all over again. Adarian and Daniel had a history. It may have been a brief history but it was still there. It made Adarian fairly certain that he wouldn't be all that welcoming to the brat that insulted him four years ago.
The sound of someone speaking from the auditorium could be here, though Adarian could not make out what the disembodied voice was saying. Adarian's hearing was acute enough to pick up on the fact that after a moment, the voice that was speaking was a new voice. It frustrated the young man that he wasn't quite close enough to pick up on what had been said in the auditorium. This was obviously some kind of orientation of sorts. Was it the typical speech? Did Sir Daniel Marsden present himself to the new recruits? Marsden had to be present, after all, since they were on their way to meet with him. Adarian's mind was flooded with questions. Question that, at the moment, he had no answers for.
"To the Chosen Number."
The first clear words that Adarian had caught since they entered the hallway. They were followed by the first voice beginning to speak again and, oh how Adarian longed to be in that auditorium. He wanted to be sitting among the new recruits listening to the oration of the Seven's top generals and possibly even Marsden, himself. Adarian's gaze had never left the end of the hallway and he was surprised when he saw a dark haired (Japanese was his best guess) man enter from the side. Adarian figured that it lead to the stage and wondered if the second voice had belonged to this man. The man passed, their eyes locked and Adarian felt a shiver race down his spine. The man's face seemed cold, yet contemplative. Adarian could instantly tell by the man's posture and the way he carried himself that he wasn't one to be trifled with. With a sigh, Adarian hoped with all his heart to never have to cross wands with that man.
Daniel Marsden
Daniel patted Hirosoka's shoulder as the man walked away from the podium, allowing him to speak to his new followers. He wasted no time in giving them an order, which would be the first of many for years to come. "Now, all of you take the exit you used to come in. Once you're all accounted for, my associates will escort you to the barracks. You'll have one hour in the barracks' mess-hall to get a bite to eat before you're escorted to your dormitory. Get some sleep, because tomorrow is going to be rough for all of you. As for your dinner, I recommend the fillet mignon, cooked medium. Tonight's dessert is mince pie." With an indifferent look at all of them, Daniel added, "As you were." He then left the auditorium to mixed emotions: some clapped in respect to him while others whispered curiously to one another, asking if he was joking about the mess-hall that sounded a lot more like an exclusive restaurant.
As for Daniel, he had already eaten a nice dinner for the evening. Though it would be somewhat amusing to see their faces at the sight of the five-star "mess-hall" and their realization that what they had committed to reciprocated greatly in their favor, it had been a long day. More research had proven useless, and the shield seemed further away than ever. It was hidden somewhere at Hogwarts, he was sure of it. But even though he had penetrated Hogwarts' defenses many times before, there was no way he could do enough exploration there indefinitely without being eventually detected. With this in mind, he looked forward to a glass of wine and an hour or two of reading by firelight in his study. That always cheered him up.
Then, as he turned a corner, his eyes widened in shock at a most unusual sight: Marcus Linthux, his closest friend and personal advisor, escorting a young man who he hadn't seen in person for years. A young man that had escaped with someone he had vowed to kill someday in addition to the young man himself. Daniel stopped in front of the two, eying both of them shrewdly. He then looked Adarian in the eyes, quietly studying him with his piercing gaze. "Marcus, should I take my wand and curse him right here and now? What in the name Rowena Ravenclaw is he doing here?"
Adarian Ackland
It took Adarian a moment to realize that he'd stopped walking all together and was watching the mysterious man make his trek down the long hallway. There was just something captivating about him. Had Adarian been a painter he would have begged to put the man on canvas and show him to the world but that type of artistic capability had always been beyond Adarian's reach. Sighing as he watch after the man, Adarian finally turned and continued to make his own way down the hall. For a brief second he'd felt connected to the man. As if they both marched to an uncertain fate and had already accepted whatever it was that they'd find there. There had been many night where Adarian had laid awake in bed wondering if it was ego or if it truly was a sense of duty that compelled him to do this. What made him so much better suited for this task than someone else? Why was he here putting his life on the line when he could be back in London with Candance? Another small sigh escaped his lips as one word spiraled down through his thoughts.Candance.
Adarian had taken ten paces when he saw another figure emerge from the same door. This time there was no wondering about who it may be. It had been four year but Adarian would recognize that man anywhere. Feeling his face growing warm, Adarian took a deep breath and put his best mask back on. He carried himself with a quiet sense of confidence, as if nothing could touch. Not even Daniel Marsden, himself. Adarian straightened his coat as he watched the man approach, giving the man a polite bow filled with every ounce respect that someone of his power deserved. Yes, Adarian hated Daniel to his very core but he also respected him for everything he'd achieved.
He then looked Adarian in the eyes, quietly studying him with his piercing gaze. "Marcus, should I take my wand and curse him right here and now? What in the name Rowena Ravenclaw is he doing here?"
There was a brief moment that left Adarian wanting to shrivel beneath Marsden's gaze and sneak off into the shadows but he didn't. Adarian stood his ground returning Marsden's piercing gaze with one of his own. He could see the hatred in the crime lord's eyes and couldn't blame him one bit. Adarian had quite literally spit on Marsden in their last meeting and only survived because of his father. "With all do respect, sir, he is here to serve." Adarian said boldly. "Loyally...." He added after the fact, thinking of his father.
Daniel Marsden
Daniel listened to what he had to say. When he finished, he glanced briefly at Marcus. If Marcus brought Adarian Ackland here for something, Daniel was inclined to believe it was for something important. But why was Marcus so convinced? Marcus had been his best and most trusted friend since they were small boys. He was highly intelligent; a lot smarter than many of the people there. Smarter than some of the other six friends, even. But Daniel wasn't convinced. Least of all by this boy; his father was a scoundrel who couldn't be trusted, and Daniel lived by the old saying like father like son. Daniel prided himself in being one of the few exceptions to this rule.
He would allow Marcus to give his account of what had happened that night in a moment. Right now, he wanted to have his say with Adarian. "And what would you, Adarian Ackland, know about loyalty?" he said softly. "Your dad didn't last. What makes you so different than those who have proceeded you? Look at Marcus. He has devoted his life, longer than you can imagine, in service to something that he has never seen. Something he will never see. You, on the other hand, have acquainted yourself with wizards who are content to just sit around and do nothing while there is work to be done. Wizards who teach their young important life lessons while they ignore the most important lessons of all."
Daniel reached down and gently took Adarian's left hand, holding the palm up to the torch light. The scar in the shape of the number seven was now the same as any old scar, but Daniel remembered vividly the night the boy had gotten it. Fresh, blood-red, and no doubt very painful. Adarian was the only person who had the mark and had never called themselves one of Marsden's. "You may look like us, but you're not one of us," he said, letting go of the hand. "So give me a good reason why you shouldn't be taken to the other island to spend the rest of your life in a cell."
Adarian Ackland
It would have been a lie if Adarian had said that Marsden’s words didn’t sting. Part of what the crime lord said rang true. Possibly more true than even Marsden realized at the time. What did Adarian know of loyalty? Here he was, far away from everyone he was loyal to, everyone he cared about, spying on the most dangerous group of individuals in the world. He was speaking of loyalty while hiding every intention of betraying these people and bringing them to an swift and appropriate end. Still the words stung, as if he had some right to be offended by what Daniel said. Adarian narrowed his eyes slightly as the leader of The Seven finished speaking.
“I am not my father,“ Adarian said, rising up to his full height and looking Daniel Marsden in the eyes. His tone was deep and severe but not overtly challenging. “My father didn’t last because he his not as cunning, intelligent, or willing to get what needs to be done as I am, sir. My father is useless, no good, waste of space that should be wiped from the face of this world. I assure you, on all I am, that I’m here to see this through, to succeed where my father failed. Believe me when I say this, sir, that when I choose a side my loyalties are unwavering. To be bluntly honest, until tonight, I never chose a side.” The cold passion that filled Adarian voice sent chills down his own spine as he spoke. “Yes, I have acquainted myself with certain members of the wizarding community that are perfectly willing to sit by and not step up to do what needs to be done but I am trusted by those people. It’s a trust you may be able to use to your benefit. If you want my father dead, I could deliver his corpse to you on a silver platter!”
Adarian looked down at his hand, staring at the same scar that Daniel had just observed. “You say that I may look like one of you but I’m not.” Adarian’s eyes flickered from Marsden to Linthux as he remembered the reason he gave Marcus for seeking out the Seven. “I look like them. I talk like them!” Adarian said, making a vague gesture towards everyone else. “But I’m not!” Adarian held up his palm so that the numeral seven burned into his palm could be clearly seen. “I’ve been one of you since I was thirteen years old and only just now have found the good sense to see it.”
Locking eyes with Daniel once more, Adarian smiled. “You want a reason not to send me to a cell? Fine,” he said, his eyes blues eyes digging directly into Marsden’s “I can be the greatest champion of your cause. I’m young, able, and willing. All I need is the training and the chance, sir. Besides, think of my father’s face when the last thing he sees is me standing next to you.”
Daniel Marsden
Daniel listened to Adarian with mild interest. He was giving him a chance to make his case, but he dared not let his guard down. Joseph Witchard trusted his TOEs just as Daniel trusted his Sevens. The fact that Adarian Ackland, who had been quite keen to shoot his mouth off before, had wandered so willingly into their midst raised several flags, at least. It was not entirely impossible for the boy to truly have had a change of heart, as many of his followers needed time to come to their senses. But he was not altogether convinced of of this so-called "loyalty". He needed to push further.
After staring into Adarian's eyes for awhile, he left the boy's gaze and turned to the other man in the hallway. Marcus, his best and most trustworthy friend, would know what to do. Apart from the Number, Marcus was the only person he trusted without the shadow of a doubt. He no doubt had a good reason for bringing Adarian to their home, whether it be to make him an ally or else to torture him for information. "I apologize for keeping you silent this long, old friend," said Daniel. "Our friend here obviously made you feel that he should be here. What did he do to make you such a believer?"
Marcus Linthux
Marcus listened to Daniel and Adarian exchange words, looking back and forth between the two as each took a turn to talk. Marcus was far too used to to Daniel to be too surprised by his reaction; cunning and calm, Marsden was putting Adarian through his own little interrogation, watching and studying him for weakness and signs of untruthfulness. Adarian, while saying pretty much the same things he had told Marcus, kept nearly as cool as Daniel, and Marcus was quite impressed to see someone so young hold their own against the cleverest and most powerful wizard of the age. A sight such as this was rarely seen, and Marcus was grateful that he was the one who got to observe the show.
Daniel asked his question, making Marcus immediately meet his friend and employer's eye. "He was followed, Daniel," said Marcus. "By one of them. Jake Green, the Healer that set up shop just outside of Hogwarts. And Adarian didn't hesitate; he killed him right then and there. None of us ordered him to, either. He heard enough of what Green had to say and killed him in an instant. It was as if he's been using Unforgivable Curses since he started school. I checked Green's body right afterward, and he was just... gone. Nothing more than dead weight. We dumped the body somewhere isolated and conjured the mark, so Witchard will know soon enough if he doesn't already know. The Order of the Eight has been dealt a serious blow tonight, Daniel."
Adarian Ackland
Something dangerous flashed in Adarian's eyes as Marcus replied to Daniel. A twisted smile appeared on the corner of his lips that was so strongly reminiscent of his father that it was almost unnerving. Adarian took the hatred he felt for the people around him and channeled it into his performance. His icy blue eyes remained locked on Daniel, studying every expression and subtle movement. He was standing before the most powerful person in the wizarding world and there was a lot that Adarian could learn from him, no matter how much he may have hated the man.
What Marcus said was true, though. Joseph and the rest of TOE probably already knew about Jake's "demise." Adarian rolled a coin across his knuckles casually as he hoped that Jake suffered no ill effects from the spell that Joseph made to fool Marcus and the other Sevens. Carefully sliding the coin into his pocket, Adarian straightened his jacket and a ran a hand through his short hair.
"Jake Green was a pathetic excuse for a wizard and now Joseph Witchard now where my loyalties truly lie," Adarian said boldly. "Sir, I've struck a blow at the very heart of Witchard's little group of misguided rejects. They don't see the bigger picture at all." Adarian held up his palm to the two men. "Three years ago I was forced into this against my will. I was too young to understand. I didn't get it. I want the chance to truly understand what it is you're trying to accomplish. I want the chance to learn from the most cunning wizard of our age. I offer my service and unwavering loyalty."
Adarian fell silent, his eyes still locked on Daniel's.
Daniel Marsden
Daniel's eyes remained locked on Adarian's just the same as the young man finished pleading his case. Perhaps, just maybe, he did have a place for someone like this in his arsenal. His lack of experience in both the wizarding and "under" worlds would take time to get past, but this would be better. Adarian was fresh clay; he could be molded, modeled, manipulated. Someone defecting to his side instead of cowering under Joseph Witchard's protection was a pleasant change, too. Desmond Doddridge had no doubt told TOE a lot of the Seven's secrets, and now Daniel would do the same thing with Ackland. The only difference in the two situations was that he was careful which eggs he put in which basket, whereas Witchard was too trusting for his own good.
"You want to join the ranks of the most powerful wizards of the age?" he said. "Those who are blessed beyond what their mind can comprehend? Fine, then, but remember this: you belong to the Number, now. And in turn, you belong to me. You'll eat what we tell you to eat, sleep where we tell you to sleep, do what we tell you to do. Your life as you know it will cease to exist." He exchanged a quick glance with Marcus, knowing that they were thinking the same thing: there were heroes on both sides. Deceit was everywhere. And they would use the confusion and mistrust among the commoners to their advantage.
"Marcus will take you to the barracks," Daniel went on. "Ordinarily, you would train with the recruits you were among tonight. However, I have something special in mind for you. I'm going to arrange for you to have private lessons with our enforcer, starting first thing tomorrow morning. Get some rest, because you're new here. The next few weeks are going to be very unpleasant."
Looking from one to the other, Daniel said, "Now goodnight, gentlemen." Without another word, Daniel Marsden disapparated.
Adarian Ackland
Adarian remained silent while listening to Daniel. He knew there was nothing he could or needed to add. He'd pleaded his case to the best of his ability and would stand tall and unwavering in the face of Daniel Marsden's judgment. It was a little unsettling to Adarian that from now on he could never falter. He had to do anything and everything that was asked of him, no matter how heinous. If he failed at this mission, more would be lost than just his life. He was a valuable source of information to TOE. His mind drifted to Jake. Adarian had never realized it but they both had accepted similar fates. Jake threw himself into anonymity, never free to live his life out in the open. Adarian had sacrificed his life as well. The first part of the mission had gone off without a hitch. From now on, things would never be the same.
The loud crack that accompanied Daniel's disapparation startled Adarian a bit more than it normally would have, given the circumstances. His eyes slowly drifted from the spot where the crime lord had been standing back do the hallway in the direction the mysterious and contemplative man had been going. Deep down in Adarian's gut he knew that that was the man Daniel had been speaking of. That was the "enforcer" he'd be training with. Very strange indeed, Adarian thought as his eyes finally came to rest on Marcus'. "Given my colorful history with this organization, I'm assuming that my special instruction is the perfect way to keep tabs on me," Adarian said with a casual smile as he turned towards the door. "I can't say that I blame you. I'm ready and willing to give whatever is asked of me, sir." Adarian's gaze never faltered. It remained icy and fixed on Marcus.
"Shall we?" Asked Adarian, motioning down the hall in the direction they'd just come.
Marcus Linthux
Marcus' eyes were void of emotion, though he was rather surprised. As Daniel disapparated, no doubt ready to turn in after a long day of work, he turned his focus back on Adarian. He was too taken aback by what had just happened to answer the boy's question. He merely shrugged his shoulders before motioning for Adarian to follow him. "Come on," he said slowly. "You've got a long day ahead of you, so you need your rest. The barracks aren't too far; once you're there, you'll be able to get a bite to eat and something to drink before you turn in for the night."
Marcus began to lead the way, thinking about everything that was ahead of the young man. Training for the Seven wasn't an easy task, and even if you succeeded, it was a hard life from there on out. Private sessions with Hirosoka were no doubt going to be more of a challenge than group lessons like normal recruits went through. But he supposed that was all part of the plan. From what he knew about Adarian Ackland, Marcus knew he was a fighter, and who better to prepare him for the important assignment he had been given than Hirosoka? Marcus couldn't think of anyone, save perhaps Daniel himself. And with these thoughts in mind, Marcus was brought back to his slight, albeit genuine astonishment of the situation. Adarian hadn't even flinched, and it suddenly occurred to him that it often took time for new grunts to grow accustomed to the way Daniel thought out loud and gave instruction with nothing more than a few random words and a cold gaze that could freeze hell over.
"You're taking this awfully well," said Marcus as the neared the exit. "Are you sure you appreciate the magnitude of what he just asked you to do?"
Adarian Ackland
Marcus' words sounded muffled to Adarian. It was almost as if the entire hallway had been submerged in water. Everything even seemed to move a little slower he stared down the hallway. Adarian had somehow managed to infiltrate the Seven against all odds. He wondered if it was his own skill that brought him this far or if it was just simple luck. For the briefest of moments, Adarian wondered if there truly a higher power that maneuvered him into the position and, perhaps a bit cynically, wondered if that higher power was helping him or setting him up for a fall. Adarian didn't notice the fact that he had begun to follow Marcus down the hall, he was entirely too preoccupied with what Daniel had said. "You belong to the number now. And in turn; you belong to me." What did that mean? Adarian was sure that he could manage to find out eventually. Eventually, Adarian thought as his reality seemed to return to normal speed as he and Marcus made their way down the hallway. For the first time Adarian began to wonder just how much of his life he sacrificed to the mission. As the door leading outside was coming closer, Adarian could only hope that this wasn't a fool's errand
When Marcus spoke again it was harder to miss. Adarian's eyes met the floor and he slid his hands into his pockets. "Perhaps I don't," he said flatly, eyes kept intently on the floor. "I'm certain my special instruction will be more intense than what the other recruits go through. Naturally, one must wonder if this is a punishment or an honor. I suppose it could be both," Adarian said with a shrug. "I can tell you that I don't leap before looking, Marcus. I carefully calculate the risks of everything I say and do. This is why I don't flinch in the face of adversity. I knew getting this far would be difficult but I also knew that what came after would be the true test of strength." Adarian held his breath for a moment thinking about everything he'd given up to accomplish. He wanted nothing more than to be able to enjoy the moment. A small victory at the beginning of a long road that held nothing but uncertain battles.
"This night feel as if it's lasted an eternity," Adarian said to Marcus, the faintest hints of a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "The notion of food and a relatively comfortable place to lay my hand sounds incredibly appealing right now." Adarian could feel that every muscle in his neck was tense from the stress of the evening. A hot meal and warm shower would a long way. Sleep too, was a welcome friend at this point. Adarian simply hoped it would come easily.
Marcus Linthux
Marcus' assumption appeared to be correct, and he wondered for a brief moment how Adarian would take the news. Marsden had just asked a very tall order from the boy, though what the order consisted of was something that would guarantee him a spot in the Seven for eternity if he completed the mission. He knew what Daniel was thinking; this was as much of an attack out of hatred as it was to assure that Adarian's change of allegiance wasn't some sort of trick.
Marcus listened to everything Adarian told him, making a note of his confidence. Confidence was a key, but it could also hurt him. Marcus had seen plenty of Sevens fall from grace with Daniel, or else die, from their overconfidence causing them to stumble. Marcus wasn't really sure which outcome was worse, but he was leaning towards losing favor with Marsden. Adarian's father, in fact, had made the mistake falling out of Daniel's good graces, and he was going to pay dearly; Aaron Ackland might have thought that he was safe within the walls of the Ministry, hiding his true identity from everyone, but his time was coming soon. Daniel Marsden was not one to be toyed with, as Desmond Doddridge and Alexis Toomney learned all too well. Marcus sincerely hoped that Adarian was no such fool as those two and his father.
"I'm glad you feel that way, because you've got a lot of work ahead of you," said Marcus. He stopped in front of Adarian and turned to face the young man, meeting his gaze. "When Daniel said he had something 'special' for you, he didn't mean a big heist or transporting some illegal items. He wants you to kill Joseph Witchard." His face void of any specific expression, Marcus turned around and started walking again.
Adarian Ackland
The force behind Marcus' words felt like a sledge hammer hit Adarian right in the chest. He was utterly speechless and there was no hiding the shock on his face this time. There was no playing it cool. There was no way to keep the color from draining from his face. With any luck he'd be able to play it off as being a little overwhelmed with the task of taking down a very powerful and well respected wizard such as Joseph Witchard. All the sound in the world once again was muffled, as if Adarian had just been dunked in a tank of water. He was sick sick at the thought of his assignment that he could swear he felt hands on his chest trying to keep him from rising out of the water. It was like his own mind was trying to drown him before he could wrap his head around the notion of killing his friend and mentor. The very man that sheltered him from the Ministry and protected him after his encounter with the Seven. The very man who trusted him enough to allow him to walk into this lion's den and not become corrupted by it.
The sound of Marcus' footstep on the hallway floor roused Adarian from his reverie. He watch the man for a second. Marcus had never blinked, never stuttered. Marcus said it like it was a casual notion, the killing of a man. Then again, just a hours earlier, Adarian acted as if it was no bigger a deal than drawing a breath. Adarian respected the man's cold and calculating nature but grew even more wary of him. He was one to be watched closely from now on.
Adarian fell in behind Marcus, following him to the barracks. Now, even more than before, was he ready to rest his weary bones. It had been an impossibly long day and it didn't seem like the night was going to pass any quicker. In fact, it would be a miracle if Adarian slept at all. Adarian's mind drifted to the mysterious man he'd passed in the hallway. His gut told him that that man was going to be his instructor. One thing was certain: Adarian's time at the Seven Deaths would be infinitely enlightening. He was dreading the following morning when his intensified training would begin. This was definitely going to be an adventure.