Post by Admin on Aug 15, 2020 20:55:02 GMT
Secret Meeting - Part 1 (Julius, Number)
(OOC: Combined threads from the previous site)
Vlad
The day before working in Knockturn Alley, Vlad receives a letter by owl from the Headmistress of the Hogwart school. It asked him to please come to the school because she need a sub for D.A.D.A, class.
Before leaving the Knockturn Alley wand shop, Vlad was pondering on whether or not to take the job as a sub, as he makes sure that all supplies and note are put a way. The shop is a old fashion muggle looking small coffee shop on the outside but huge on the inside filled with lot of special wands he built over the years.
Vlad apparited to the forbidden forest to meet up with Number to see if he had anything for him to do. While on the way to the cave he remembers how he so much missed Hogwarts so he decide to take Sasha up on the offer after all.
The cave still looked the same since last visit meaning dark and gloomy with only one area that the shiny gold shield with Number in it was located deep in the chambers. To get to Number chamber Vlad had to walk what might seem to a muggle 24 day walk to the chamber cause of the cave having more then one and being a maze at that it was easy for him but for others who might have stumbled on it they would have been lost. Vlad notice this time unlike other times on visits the ancient runes and submitting them to self memory for his own interest and to deliver on not so noted time/ visit with a aquantance.
"Hello! Number. Just finished working at wand shops and got an invite to sub at Hogwarts by Headmistress Sasha. She has me subing for the D.A.D.A. class. I was wondering if you needed me to do anything while there.", he in a soft comical tone voice.
Julius Minotaur
The days still seemed too short to get done what needed to be done. Julius had lost four of his top males in the Clan due to the fire at the end of the last school year at Hogwarts. He was using some of the younger males who had just started to grow their horns to keep an eye on what was happening in what forest was left. The older males and females were working hard at rebuilding all the territory they had lost and helping the Centaurs with their work.
His friend Darik, an elf in the Village of Hogsmeade, had helped him set up various feeding stations in the forest and in the village for those animals who had lost their homes. Someday they all hoped to be able to get everyone self sufficient again, but that was years away. There were only the beginning signs of new growth in the forest which had been consumed by the flames.
As Julius stood watching the Fire-fairies work in the Black Rose Garden, he was thankful, they had been able to save the whole garden and a good portion of the surrounding woods which helped to hide it from the humans and anyone else who wanted to destroy it. Julius had already had to capture several humans and with Darik’s help had done a mind wipe on them. He hoped never to have to kill any of the human’s, because some of the young ones had become very dear to him.
Just as the last of the Fire-fairies had finished, one of the young bulls ran up to him to report, “Sire, a human has entered the Cave of No-knowledge.”
Julius turned and said as he placed his hand on the young ones shoulder, “Catch your breath, Minta and tell me your news. Can you describe the human?” It had been a long time since a human had physically entered the Cave of No-Knowledge. After the fire one of the first things they had done was hide the entrance and tried to secure it with extra magically grown growth.
Listening to Minta’s tale, Julius found out a human had entered the cave entrance and had not come out. Minta told him, one of the other young ones had stayed encase the human emerged but Minta thought it was too important to wait very long before reporting. Julius clapped the young bull’s shoulder and told him he had done good work. He was to go and get something to eat and drink, gather a few supplies for his friends and return to watch the cave entrance.
As the young one ran off, Julius again looked out over the Black Rose Garden. “There are very few humans who know of the cave entrance.” he thought to himself. At that moment he made a decision. He called one of the messenger Fire-fairies to him and handed him a note to Darik, the elf in the village.
Julius would not do anything else but watch unless Darik had instructions for him. The Minotaur’s and the Centaurs were working on restoring the forest; the elves and the humans were working on restoring what was lost from the fire in the human world.
The Number
The Number was frustrated the way things had went concerning The Guardian. Watching his subjects cower before him gave no pleasure as it once did. He saw the man that had been chosen to protect the shield that was The Dark One's prison. He could kill all those in the room and it would mean nothing...He would still be trapped in this shield...doomed to remain forever away from the land of his birth in a cave that was as void of life as he.
Releasing his fury as he thought, “I Want Those That Can Release Me! Why Can None of You Get Her To Accept Her Destiny?”
His High Priestess, Zia foolishly tried to calm things by saying as she Cowered even lower than the others, “Master, It takes time to get the princess away from...”
The force of his will threw her back as if she was a rag doll as he screamed in their heads, “SILENCE Witch! Unless You Want My Protector and Enforcer To Silence You! He Alone Has Show All Of You How Useless You Are!”
The Dark One's shield glowed brightly as an idea to teach these Cowards came to mind. His anger still showing itself in the tremor that encompassed the entire cave as he said with venom in their heads, “Since it seems only Protector seems to have the intelligence to handle one small girl and her friends...He Will Teach You and Be The Only One Of You Allowed In Here! Protector, Understand You Alone Have Stayed In My Favor! Pick Your Team! This is A Reward...Not Banishment! You Return Regular to talk and give Reports but I Want You First Duty to Be The Guardian and those that are Bound to her. Understand Protector...They Must Each Join Me...Be Trained...I Don't Care How...Just Insure That It Is Done!”
The Dark One watched as some tried in vain to get him to give them another chance saying, “Please...Master...We Will Get The Child...Her Protectors can't stay with her all the time...She will run again...He has Never even Left...”
The Dark One heard the interruption and glowed as he answered laughing, “Ah, make that two who have pleased me! Vlad, good to see you my boy! Sorry about any cave ins my Anger might have caused? When Protector has out-shined these fools on his first time out...Well A Lesson Must Be Given! Give Me a Sec to Remove these FOOLS from my SIGHT and We Shall Talk!”
A huge storm rose from the pit and blew anyone not holding on to the secret handles out of the chamber. Just as it died down, The Number glowed as he saw The Protector come from his chambers, “Protector, Our Guest is Fine?” He had no clue why the young Ravenclaw girl held his adopted son's interest, but the girl would be spared as long as Protector was shielding her. The young fourteen year old poised no threat and even seemed to delight Protector with her knowledge. Plus seeing the anger steam from Zia at the lost of her pet, made The Dark One pleased. His Protector had earn his pet, Zia had not but rather stole Shadow's insurance against the pet's family. He would have released the child if Zia had not allowed her to know how to get to this chamber.
Upon Receiving a nod, the Dark One continued, “Vlad is here, my boy. He seems to...” The Number stopped as he saw a couple of high subjects had not understood his displeasure as they were in the Chamber, his anger started building once again as he said, “I thought You Fools were...” Focusing his thoughts on Vlad and Protector, The Dark One finished, “Deal With This Pest! Then Vlad, you can tell me and Protector just how you managed to gain the trust of Sasha McChey. Oh and Vlad, Your Skills are Always Needed!”[/i]
(OCC: The Number, Protector, Zia and Ashley Wright are all Admin characters used to further plot.)
VLAD
As Vlad was walking threw the cave to the Number Chamber he heard the Number and his friend the Protector of the Shield talking in the distance. Then not to long after he felt the cave shake and some rock clasps nearly hitting him. Vlad then decides to explore the cave a little before going to see what made Number mad. Vlad always had enjoyed walking around the cave either by himself or with his friend the Protector of the Shield. Vlad could still hear some of the conversation between the Number and his Guest and knew it was time to show up and try to bring the anger the Number had with his visitors down. The Number was please to see Vlad and with a flick of Vlad's wand the others that the Number dismissed were closed out of the chamber so they couldn't re-enter. He knew that the Number caused the storm and that he didn't want any disturbance while Vlad told the good news to Number and the Protector of the Shield. Vlad did find it interesting that the Number had no problem with the young girl being there but dismissed it so he could tell him the news he came to tell.
"To answer the question about how I got Sasha's trust she saw me sub in Egypt and apparently like my work as a teacher. Plus I pose no threat to them either so she says in the letter. I believe shes done her homework on me for now." Vlad explains in his soft voice to the Number while watching the Ravenclaw Girl out of the corner of his eye.
JULIUS
Julius had been supervising the cleaning of the Fountain of Life, when Minta again came running up out of breath. Julius tried not to smile because he knew Minta would not leave his post, watching the Cave unless it was important, but the young one was showing great promise in his abilities.
The young Minta told Julius the ground had shook and beings, mostly human, came flying through the air, out of the cave. This did not make much sense to Julius so he told the young warrior he would come.
When he joined the other two young ones and Minta, in their hiding place behind an outcropping which at one time had been part of the mound where the cave entrance was, he look carefully toward the entrance. He was hoping to see …. Ah, there she was …. The Fire-fairy flew to him and landed on his hand. She looked exhausted but she soon stood up and whispering told Julius what had happened in the cave.
Apparently the shield had gotten mad and sent everyone flying out of the cave. Julius corrected himself … not everyone was sent out … the Protector and the other human were still in there. Julius asked it the Fire-fairy had the strength to return to her hiding place and she agreed. With her in the small notch just outside of the cavern she had used, Julius hoped to be able to at least pick up on some of the “feelings” in the cave. He would have loved to enter the cavern, but he knew he did not have the ability to hide from the Dark One.
Watching the Fire-fairy re-enter the cave, he thought of trying to enter just the entrance which would put him behind the shield put up to make human’s too frightened to explore the cave. Slowly he made his way to the edge of the opening and stepped inside, pausing about two feet into the opening. Here he closed his eyes and waited for the Fire-fairy to get into position.
Suddenly, Julius felt anger but also a form of camaraderie, as a king would feel for those who he was pleased with being in his presence. Julius listened hard but could only pick out mumblings of words.
Stepping back outside he summoned two more Fire-fairies and sent one to Darik with a message on what had happened. From the description everyone was giving him of the extra human it had to be Vlad inside the cave with the others. The boy had returned. By human standards the boy would be considered a man now. Julius wondered what may have brought the boy/man back openly into the forest.
The other Fire-fairy would act as a messenger between the watchers of the cave and Julius. Julius could not stay at the cave, because there was still much work to be done at the encampment. There were also three new calfs due anytime at the birthing compound. Julius did not personally help with the birthing but he must be close so he could give his approval of the newborns, which was expected of him as leader. When it was sure the new ones would live, Julius would name them (using suggestions from their mothers of course) and they would begin their life as part of the clan.
Julius trotted back to the main encampment, thinking of possibilities which he may have to cover later. For now he would be patient and watch
The Number
The Dark One sensed the Minotaur Leader and thought, “Ah Julius, you finally getting the Guts to Come and Face Me? No, then what or more importantly who has got your curiosity? Come my Minotaur friend...Come In and talk to me about the three new arrivals for your clan...I Can Insure they Live Julius...Come and Talk...Just Maybe...” He needed Julius to come close enough to read his thoughts or he would never know all the protections placed on the princess.
The Minotaur's had paid dearly for their involvement in keeping his Guardian away from him as had the Centaurs but their leaders still lived. The Dark One's fury rose as he realized that The Core had not come within five feet of the cave since the fire that wiped-out eighty percent of the forest.
The Shield glowed as The Dark One watched his Protector and Vlad work as if the two had never been apart. He noticed that the Protector's chamber had been left open. The girl had slowly come out of the room and had went to stand by the Protector. “What are you up to girl?Still trying to get a message to those at the school? Maybe I will watch and see if you can bring those I seek to me...Just by You trying to Betray Your Location to the Core?”
The Dark One watched as Ashley slipped a note into Vlad's pocket and placed a dot on that same pocket.
Core,
Cave...left fork...Center of Cave...Tell Sasha...Traitor!
Ash
The Dark One laughed as he said, “So Vlad, Sasha seems unaware of your connection to me. Good, then check the note the girl placed in your pocket...If she hasn't just Blown Your Cover...Insure her Friends get that little note as I very much would like to meet them! Next see what you can find out about the protections on a few people, her twin for one...”
He heard Ashley say scared, “No...you promised that Luke would be left alone...please....You promised...”
The Number laughed as he said, “I said as Long as You Behaved! You Just Tried to Give My Location Away...So Now Even Seth Lucas Wright is Fair game Thank You Child...As Your Cousin Bren was being Difficult!”
After a few moments of hearing Ashley pleading, he said, “Put her back in the room and The door stays locked this time. First Chance you two get Bring Me The Boy! With Both His Cousins here, Brennan Dawson just might come to his senses...If not...”
Saying softly to Vlad, “Well then I will leave the convincing to you my boy! The Protector has a list of people that interest me and Vlad, I want them all! Vlad, Don't fail Me! There are some at the school I want to be kept busy…
Then to the Protector, Protector, later explain The Caretaker Group to Vlad and bring him up to speed! Don't worry about the girl as she did exactly as I expected...Zia won't come near her but Protector...Her Runes journal...Doesn't come with her other books...Understand?”
VLAD
While listening to the Number tell Ashley that what she was plotting was a bad idea because now it put her twin in danger. Vlad uses legilimency with out letting Number hear him telling Ashley "Not bad guy cause if was wouldn't be friend with Darik and Julius." As a matter a fact I'm to meet Darik later to have a meeting of the minds as I'm on my way to the school." Oh ya don't think I'm giving your friend the letter and I'm taken you ruin book for safe keeping."
While Vlad was using legilimency with Ashley he say will do Number as if agreeing with the Number on his orders. Vlad then direct his attention to the Protector of the Shield. "Now My friend Protector of the Shield what do you have to tell me about the Caretakers and this list the Number has for me while we take a walk here in the cave ok." As Vlad and The Protector of the Shield start to head out Vlad takes Ashley's wand and both him and The Protector of the Shield walk her back to the Room to lock her back in there before going on our walk to discuss what he Number as ordered us to to. Vlad took The Protector to some new areas in the cave that he knows to be safe to talk to him at even out of the Numbers reach to listen in on the conversation.
The Vlad Said to The Protector of the Shield. " Before I leave the cave I need you to promise me one thing that the Number Doesn't harm a hair on them kids." Those kids and the others can help u and me understand the truth that the Number hasn't told you nor me." Please trust me I really need you to talk to these kids with out the Number Knowing and hear them out they are just as innocent as we were and still are." I trust you with my life and I hope you trust me with yours so please when you encounter them or any one out side try to talk to them and find out info that might help you understand more on what I'm talking about ok."
Protector of the Shield
Protector smiled and nodded to Vlad as they did The Master's bidding. He was glad to see his best friend back as he really needed to talk with him. Remembering, “With the Master, I didn't need words as we are bonded spiritually. It was different with Vlad as he rarely opened his mind so we bonded through Vlad's stories of his classes and our shared goals in life. I taught Vlad what he needed to serve the Master but as the time came close for Vlad to receive his mark, I chose not to give it.” With that thought Protector realized that it had been the first time he had actually chose to do something different than what he had been train to do.
That made him think about his reasons he chose this new choices, “It would have forced him to never again close his mind to the Master. I couldn't take that choice from him as he had given me his trust and the ability to communicate with words. I have used his advice and started learning more about the world. I want to show the Master that the people of the world are no longer cruel and evil as they were when they imprisoned him. That we don't have to force or trick the guardian. But first the issue of the priest Sinclair has to be addressed. The man confuses me but now with Vlad here I shall have the truth.”
Being brought out of his thoughts by the young girl Ash pulling on his robes. He looked down and shook his head.
This news made the protector smile. His friend was going to be at the school. Looking at his Master as he thought, “Now can I go into the school since Vlad will be there? Vlad can even wipe the girl's memory of the cave...He can undo Zia's error caused by bring the child here?” The Protector watched as the shield dimmed. Shaking his head sadly as he knew the answer was a No. “Maybe if I get him the priest then I can ask again?”
The Protector looked at Ash and inwardly cringed. The girl had done it this time. Thinking to the girl, “Why couldn't you just trust me? I don't want him thinking Zia is better to handle you than me. I was hoping to show him you could be trusted not to give away his secret and now he is back interested in the boy. Though maybe he is right and Zia is a better watcher than I...but I don't like her hurting you...She has a mean streak...maybe Vlad can figure out a way to fix this. Cause if you have my master against you than even I won't be able to protect you?”
The Protector felt the girl's fear for her brother but could do nothing. He hoped that all the Master wanted was to scare the young one. To teach Ash to think before doing something as the girl was impulsive. He held her trying to comfort her until he heard his Master. The Protector never wanted the girl to be handed back over to that witch Zia as the high priestess was cruel and had already hurt the girl enough.
The Protector was worried as now the boy would be targeted again. Looking at Vlad, he realized that his friend did not seem angry about what the girl had done. He prayed that Vlad could fix what she had done because the girl had suffered at the hands of the high priestess Zia.
Ashley listened and shook her head as she said pleading, “Please, I just want to go back to school. My brother is a fourth year now...That's two years ahead of me...I need to attend my classes...Please Let Me Go...I swear...”
The Protector heard his Master's orders and nodded. The Master wanted the boy to use as a way to convince the profiler to accept his destiny. He wondered why with certain ones he felt so unsure of his own loyalty. He had hardly ever went against his master and always got disciplined when he did. Those times had been worth the risk as some were unique like Brennan Dawson. He had met the young man twice and even tried to help the profiler once.
He remembered how he had to go through re-educating for that incident. “Master was right though, I had allow my emotions to cloud my thinking. He was right to punish me for interfering. Now I am more focused. As I have proven by using my gift to show that force is not always needed. I pray that they can be reasoned with. My master needs be freed and see that the world is not the evil world that it was. Who knows maybe Master will be happy with just his priest and the profiler Bren? Then the children won't be needed, especially my new little friend, the princess.”
The Protector inwardly cringed as he realized that everybody on his list was destined for the mark. His master had never been like this before. He felt the girl cringe but could do nothing to comfort her. She had just sealed both her brother's and the profiler's fate.
The chosen ones would accept the mark by choice or by force. The Master was tired of their lack of respect and now he could do nothing for them but hope that the Master would leave it with just those on the list. “If they continue to push The Master, then their families will pay the price for their lack of respect.”
The Protector had never felt so torn before and just prayed that when the Master calmed down, he could again talk his master into giving him a chance to prove that reason not force was the answer.
The Protector noticed that his friend seemed preoccupied. He knew neither of them had a choice. He looked at the young girl with sad eyes. He would at least try to keep her away from Zia.
Looking at the Master while shielding the girl, he thought, “Master, she is a child and unsure of why the high priestess brought her here, please Master...Zia likes to hurt her...I am worried that if...”
Protector smiled as he nodded. The girl was still going to be able to study though not with her Runes' journal. Maybe after the Master calmed down he could request that she be allow her journal? That was if she behaved and stopped getting on the Master's bad side.
Looking at Ash, he smiled as he realized that like the princess, she had an inner strength about her. They were fighters as all those that hung were called The Core were. He just had to make them realize that fighting the Master was one fight they could never hope to win.
Looking at Vlad, he wondered if there was a way to have them accept their destiny without them losing that fighting spirit. It hurt him to think that his and Vlad's gifts would be used to bend the children to submit to the Master's will.
The Protector nodded but looked fearful as he remembered that the girl would be unprotected while he was away. The girl seemed to grab his hand and hide behind him as she still looked towards his friend with distrust. The High Priestess Zia had the girl so confused that she barely even trusted him.
Since the high priestess brought Ash here her only friend had been the man known as The Protector and luckily he seemed preoccupied. Ash just had to pray that the new guy was just as occupied. “I have to get to Luke and Brennan before this guy does.” With that thought she took off for the entrance to the chamber. She just prayed that Protector would not get into trouble as the man seemed more like a child.
Protector shook his head sadly as they escorted the young one back to her room. He just prayed the girl had not just made matters worst. Vlad had been quick and he smiled at his friend as he thought to the girl sadly, “You might have just cost me and you greatly this time, little one? Be thankful it was Vlad that stopped you! The Master wouldn't not have been as Gentle! Please little one...” He wondered how to explain to the young girl that Vlad was his friend and they could be trusted.
The Protector started telling Vlad of the group known as The Caretakers. In a low voice as he handed him the list of targets, Protector said, “Those on that list is either members of or protected by a specialty trained group of wizards known as the Caretakers. The first several names on the list are all members of a young group known as The Core. Who do you want to know about first? By the way Vlad, why did you have to take the little one's wand?”
The Protector got worried as Vlad got to the fork of tunnels and took the right. Talking in a low voice he said scared, “Vlad, we never take this tunnel. I am suppose to stay in the left tunnel. Master said that the right tunnel is too dangerous. He can't shield us in this tunnel if there is a cave in or...”
Protector was shocked as he said, “Vlad, our job is to bring him the ones on that list. It is not our place to question The Master or to...interfere...in how...he chooses...to educate them? All I can promise is that I won't harm them unless ordered to!”
The Protector started looking around as he got more fearful. Not seeing any of the Dark Sect, he said to his friend, “Vlad careful...If word was to get back that you even questioned his teachings...Please Vlad...You just...got back...We...are suppose...to report...any...members...that are...in...possible need...of re-education...Please... if word...got back...and he realizes...I listened...” Remembering the reminder he had received after Zia had informed the Master of his interference regarding the profiler.
The Protector was visible scared as he said, “She would like nothing better than to tell the Master that I am not suited for this mission...You heard her and her husband...They believe my place is in that chamber by Master's side...Vlad...they have been...trying...to convince...the Master...that I am being...tinted...by my...leaving...the cave?...That I...am not ready...yet...for the...test of loyalty?...I already...failed...one test...by revealing...to some...the true...cause...of the young one's...mother's...death... The high priestess...said...I was influence...by a child...I just...want to see...her...smile...the little one...was so scared... that her...cousin... the... profiler...would go...to Azkaban...to protect...her crime...I just...wanted...to show...the child...that neither...could have done it...I just wanted...”
Protector was still scared but wanted to show that he trusted his friend. Slowly nodding as he pointed the Core and their guards out, he said, “That is the Core. And it seems the Blocks are with them. The one in Slytherin robes that is talking is Tia Andreas. Master calls her The Guardian. Vlad, the one to her right and extremely protective is Landon Russo. Both are on that list as is that one with the Ravenclaw robes. In fact he has now went to the top of our list as that is Seth Lucas Wright or as the Core call him Luke. The young man that he is talking too is Brennan Dawson, head of security. The men that Tia is to is Lance Kildred and Maxwell Lance Sinclair. Those are most of our targets, though there are others. The Blockers are the problem as is some others that protect the Andreas girl. Vlad, if we take them now? Master would be pleased right? Maybe enough to let the little one go?”
(OCC: Preplanned Thread! Ashley Wright is one of my characters.)
Julius
Julius sat with his back up against one of the trees behind the rock which hid his position from anyone standing at the mouth of the cave. He tried to keep his thoughts calm as he had already had one encounter with the Dark One, because he had not paid attention to his thoughts. He had sent the young watchers back to the main camp so they could say hello to their families and also attend a few of the classes they had missed while on duty at the cave. Julius smiled and shook his head, ‘The young ones preferred to stay on guard duty, probably for the adventure, but as leader of the Clan Julius also had to make sure they learned the lessons of life which would probably save their lives sometime in the future.”
He had not been sitting there long when he noticed a change in the energy coming from the cave. Someone had entered the part of the cave not blocked by the Dark One’s energy. Julius closed his eyes to see if he could pick up on who it was.
Julius picked up on two entities, both male. They were still coming closer to the mouth of the cave. The men were too far back from the entrance for Julius to pick up anything they said. He hoped his little messenger friend was listening well. There was definitely fear and worry being felt by both of the people.
Openening his eyes, Julius sat up straighter and waited for his small flying friend to join him. A small flicker of light shown in the opening and then moved closer to where Julius was sitting. “Hello, Gem, glad to see you are fine.” Gem was the best fire-fairy Julius had in his personal guard for the Clan. He had proved himself more than once by getting information and retaining it for a long period of time. Julius opened up his mind to the little one and listened.
One of the men in the unguarded tunnel was the Protector of the Shield, the other one’s name was Vlad. The two of them were apparently back together again. This could be good because Vlad, who Julius remembered as a small boy used to go to the school. He had been a good boy until he had wandered into the tunnel and taken the left-fork one day. From that point on, Darik had requested he be watched. Julius preferred to reserve judgment on the human. The boy had grown into a man and could be dangerous.
The Protector of the Shield would come out to the cave entrance sometimes but never out into the world. Julius remembered though the Protector had ventured out after the fire which destroyed eighty percent of the Forbidden Forest, but not more than a couple of feet. He had looked frightened at the devastation around them. The area around the cave entrance had not been touched, mostly because of the Dark One, as far as Julius knew. It was still well hidden from normal observation, but you did not have to travel very far to see black earth and scorched trees. Someday the Forest would come back, but it would take many years and a lot of wizard and nature magic to make a difference.
Gen told Julius, Vlad did not want any of the children hurt at the school, because they had information which he needed. The Protector was worried about this because there was a list of people who the Dark Once wanted brought to him Julius wondered if he could somehow get a copy of that list. Maybe if it was laid down somewhere, Gem who had a photo-graphic mind would be able to see who was on it. Darik would definitely want a copy to pass on to his Human’s. This was important information to be passed on.
Julius looked around the bolder he was hidden behind and wondered if the two human’s would come out of the cave. They were close to the entrance that he knew. Closing his eyes, he listened with his ears. He heard mumbling but could not pick up any of the words. In his mind he sent Gem back into the cave entrance, telling him to go very slowly and to stay well hidden. When he was there Julius opened his mind only to Gem and listened. He would be able to hear anything Gem heard.
Julius knew the Protector trusted Vlad. Vlad had returned, apparently to find out information about the members of the school. There was still a tinge of softness in the young human’s voice. He had not lost his caring over the last eleven or so years. It was important to let Darik know about the young human’s nature. It would be up to Darik to decide how much he told the human’s. If Vlad stayed long enough he might be able to get the Protector to break his all consuming need to do whatever the evil entity in the cave requested him to do. Julius would not interfere with this job, because he still had a great amount of work to do in rebuilding his Clan home, helping to restore the forest, teaching the young one’s the lessons they need to know, help the Human Village take care of the animals who had been misplaced, who would not venture out of the forest, even though they were hungry.
Julius cringed when he heard the Protector talk about Zia, the dark witch. He had not had much personal experience with her. Once she had discovered one of the young one’s watching the cave entrance when she arrived, and she had magically thrown rocks and other debris at him. One of the young one’s newly formed antlers had been damaged. Although it would heal it would never grow truly straight. All of the Clan had made sure the young one knew it was a mark of courage.
It had been a long time since Julius had any contact with the Protector. The grown Human, still acted like some of the young humans at the school. But a slight difference was showing at this time. Although he was scared he was listening to Vlad.
The Protector and Vlad were standing just inside the entrance to the cave. Julius was standing now and Gem had flown out to sit on his shoulder. He watched as the Protector pointed out some of the people just barely visible in the Garden area of the school. Looking around the other side of the bolder he saw for himself who was there. He was hoping Darik would show, because he could send Gem with a message on what he had learned. For now all he could do was watch. The young one’s were scheduled to be back before the sun reached the top of the hills behind the school.
VLAD
Vlad focused his mind on the Protector, blocking it from the Dark One, "My friend the girl is ony scared and wants to return to her home and family. If you can keep her calm and she does not try to get into trouble again, I can try and get her back to the school." Vlad had a plan but until he was safely teaching in the DADA class, the plan would not work.
(OOC: Combined threads from the previous site)
Vlad
The day before working in Knockturn Alley, Vlad receives a letter by owl from the Headmistress of the Hogwart school. It asked him to please come to the school because she need a sub for D.A.D.A, class.
Before leaving the Knockturn Alley wand shop, Vlad was pondering on whether or not to take the job as a sub, as he makes sure that all supplies and note are put a way. The shop is a old fashion muggle looking small coffee shop on the outside but huge on the inside filled with lot of special wands he built over the years.
Vlad apparited to the forbidden forest to meet up with Number to see if he had anything for him to do. While on the way to the cave he remembers how he so much missed Hogwarts so he decide to take Sasha up on the offer after all.
The cave still looked the same since last visit meaning dark and gloomy with only one area that the shiny gold shield with Number in it was located deep in the chambers. To get to Number chamber Vlad had to walk what might seem to a muggle 24 day walk to the chamber cause of the cave having more then one and being a maze at that it was easy for him but for others who might have stumbled on it they would have been lost. Vlad notice this time unlike other times on visits the ancient runes and submitting them to self memory for his own interest and to deliver on not so noted time/ visit with a aquantance.
"Hello! Number. Just finished working at wand shops and got an invite to sub at Hogwarts by Headmistress Sasha. She has me subing for the D.A.D.A. class. I was wondering if you needed me to do anything while there.", he in a soft comical tone voice.
Julius Minotaur
The days still seemed too short to get done what needed to be done. Julius had lost four of his top males in the Clan due to the fire at the end of the last school year at Hogwarts. He was using some of the younger males who had just started to grow their horns to keep an eye on what was happening in what forest was left. The older males and females were working hard at rebuilding all the territory they had lost and helping the Centaurs with their work.
His friend Darik, an elf in the Village of Hogsmeade, had helped him set up various feeding stations in the forest and in the village for those animals who had lost their homes. Someday they all hoped to be able to get everyone self sufficient again, but that was years away. There were only the beginning signs of new growth in the forest which had been consumed by the flames.
As Julius stood watching the Fire-fairies work in the Black Rose Garden, he was thankful, they had been able to save the whole garden and a good portion of the surrounding woods which helped to hide it from the humans and anyone else who wanted to destroy it. Julius had already had to capture several humans and with Darik’s help had done a mind wipe on them. He hoped never to have to kill any of the human’s, because some of the young ones had become very dear to him.
Just as the last of the Fire-fairies had finished, one of the young bulls ran up to him to report, “Sire, a human has entered the Cave of No-knowledge.”
Julius turned and said as he placed his hand on the young ones shoulder, “Catch your breath, Minta and tell me your news. Can you describe the human?” It had been a long time since a human had physically entered the Cave of No-Knowledge. After the fire one of the first things they had done was hide the entrance and tried to secure it with extra magically grown growth.
Listening to Minta’s tale, Julius found out a human had entered the cave entrance and had not come out. Minta told him, one of the other young ones had stayed encase the human emerged but Minta thought it was too important to wait very long before reporting. Julius clapped the young bull’s shoulder and told him he had done good work. He was to go and get something to eat and drink, gather a few supplies for his friends and return to watch the cave entrance.
As the young one ran off, Julius again looked out over the Black Rose Garden. “There are very few humans who know of the cave entrance.” he thought to himself. At that moment he made a decision. He called one of the messenger Fire-fairies to him and handed him a note to Darik, the elf in the village.
Note:
Tocoferty: Human entered cave… Has not come out. Will continue to watch …. Will let you know of any changes …. Julius
Tocoferty: Human entered cave… Has not come out. Will continue to watch …. Will let you know of any changes …. Julius
Julius would not do anything else but watch unless Darik had instructions for him. The Minotaur’s and the Centaurs were working on restoring the forest; the elves and the humans were working on restoring what was lost from the fire in the human world.
The Number
The Number was frustrated the way things had went concerning The Guardian. Watching his subjects cower before him gave no pleasure as it once did. He saw the man that had been chosen to protect the shield that was The Dark One's prison. He could kill all those in the room and it would mean nothing...He would still be trapped in this shield...doomed to remain forever away from the land of his birth in a cave that was as void of life as he.
Releasing his fury as he thought, “I Want Those That Can Release Me! Why Can None of You Get Her To Accept Her Destiny?”
His High Priestess, Zia foolishly tried to calm things by saying as she Cowered even lower than the others, “Master, It takes time to get the princess away from...”
The force of his will threw her back as if she was a rag doll as he screamed in their heads, “SILENCE Witch! Unless You Want My Protector and Enforcer To Silence You! He Alone Has Show All Of You How Useless You Are!”
The Dark One's shield glowed brightly as an idea to teach these Cowards came to mind. His anger still showing itself in the tremor that encompassed the entire cave as he said with venom in their heads, “Since it seems only Protector seems to have the intelligence to handle one small girl and her friends...He Will Teach You and Be The Only One Of You Allowed In Here! Protector, Understand You Alone Have Stayed In My Favor! Pick Your Team! This is A Reward...Not Banishment! You Return Regular to talk and give Reports but I Want You First Duty to Be The Guardian and those that are Bound to her. Understand Protector...They Must Each Join Me...Be Trained...I Don't Care How...Just Insure That It Is Done!”
The Dark One watched as some tried in vain to get him to give them another chance saying, “Please...Master...We Will Get The Child...Her Protectors can't stay with her all the time...She will run again...He has Never even Left...”
"Hello! Number. Just finished working at wand shops and got an invite to sub at Hogwarts by Headmistress Sasha. She has me subbing for the D.A.D.A. class. I was wondering if you needed me to do anything while there.", he in a soft comical tone voice.
The Dark One heard the interruption and glowed as he answered laughing, “Ah, make that two who have pleased me! Vlad, good to see you my boy! Sorry about any cave ins my Anger might have caused? When Protector has out-shined these fools on his first time out...Well A Lesson Must Be Given! Give Me a Sec to Remove these FOOLS from my SIGHT and We Shall Talk!”
A huge storm rose from the pit and blew anyone not holding on to the secret handles out of the chamber. Just as it died down, The Number glowed as he saw The Protector come from his chambers, “Protector, Our Guest is Fine?” He had no clue why the young Ravenclaw girl held his adopted son's interest, but the girl would be spared as long as Protector was shielding her. The young fourteen year old poised no threat and even seemed to delight Protector with her knowledge. Plus seeing the anger steam from Zia at the lost of her pet, made The Dark One pleased. His Protector had earn his pet, Zia had not but rather stole Shadow's insurance against the pet's family. He would have released the child if Zia had not allowed her to know how to get to this chamber.
Upon Receiving a nod, the Dark One continued, “Vlad is here, my boy. He seems to...” The Number stopped as he saw a couple of high subjects had not understood his displeasure as they were in the Chamber, his anger started building once again as he said, “I thought You Fools were...” Focusing his thoughts on Vlad and Protector, The Dark One finished, “Deal With This Pest! Then Vlad, you can tell me and Protector just how you managed to gain the trust of Sasha McChey. Oh and Vlad, Your Skills are Always Needed!”[/i]
(OCC: The Number, Protector, Zia and Ashley Wright are all Admin characters used to further plot.)
VLAD
As Vlad was walking threw the cave to the Number Chamber he heard the Number and his friend the Protector of the Shield talking in the distance. Then not to long after he felt the cave shake and some rock clasps nearly hitting him. Vlad then decides to explore the cave a little before going to see what made Number mad. Vlad always had enjoyed walking around the cave either by himself or with his friend the Protector of the Shield. Vlad could still hear some of the conversation between the Number and his Guest and knew it was time to show up and try to bring the anger the Number had with his visitors down. The Number was please to see Vlad and with a flick of Vlad's wand the others that the Number dismissed were closed out of the chamber so they couldn't re-enter. He knew that the Number caused the storm and that he didn't want any disturbance while Vlad told the good news to Number and the Protector of the Shield. Vlad did find it interesting that the Number had no problem with the young girl being there but dismissed it so he could tell him the news he came to tell.
"To answer the question about how I got Sasha's trust she saw me sub in Egypt and apparently like my work as a teacher. Plus I pose no threat to them either so she says in the letter. I believe shes done her homework on me for now." Vlad explains in his soft voice to the Number while watching the Ravenclaw Girl out of the corner of his eye.
JULIUS
Julius had been supervising the cleaning of the Fountain of Life, when Minta again came running up out of breath. Julius tried not to smile because he knew Minta would not leave his post, watching the Cave unless it was important, but the young one was showing great promise in his abilities.
The young Minta told Julius the ground had shook and beings, mostly human, came flying through the air, out of the cave. This did not make much sense to Julius so he told the young warrior he would come.
When he joined the other two young ones and Minta, in their hiding place behind an outcropping which at one time had been part of the mound where the cave entrance was, he look carefully toward the entrance. He was hoping to see …. Ah, there she was …. The Fire-fairy flew to him and landed on his hand. She looked exhausted but she soon stood up and whispering told Julius what had happened in the cave.
Apparently the shield had gotten mad and sent everyone flying out of the cave. Julius corrected himself … not everyone was sent out … the Protector and the other human were still in there. Julius asked it the Fire-fairy had the strength to return to her hiding place and she agreed. With her in the small notch just outside of the cavern she had used, Julius hoped to be able to at least pick up on some of the “feelings” in the cave. He would have loved to enter the cavern, but he knew he did not have the ability to hide from the Dark One.
Watching the Fire-fairy re-enter the cave, he thought of trying to enter just the entrance which would put him behind the shield put up to make human’s too frightened to explore the cave. Slowly he made his way to the edge of the opening and stepped inside, pausing about two feet into the opening. Here he closed his eyes and waited for the Fire-fairy to get into position.
Suddenly, Julius felt anger but also a form of camaraderie, as a king would feel for those who he was pleased with being in his presence. Julius listened hard but could only pick out mumblings of words.
Stepping back outside he summoned two more Fire-fairies and sent one to Darik with a message on what had happened. From the description everyone was giving him of the extra human it had to be Vlad inside the cave with the others. The boy had returned. By human standards the boy would be considered a man now. Julius wondered what may have brought the boy/man back openly into the forest.
The other Fire-fairy would act as a messenger between the watchers of the cave and Julius. Julius could not stay at the cave, because there was still much work to be done at the encampment. There were also three new calfs due anytime at the birthing compound. Julius did not personally help with the birthing but he must be close so he could give his approval of the newborns, which was expected of him as leader. When it was sure the new ones would live, Julius would name them (using suggestions from their mothers of course) and they would begin their life as part of the clan.
Julius trotted back to the main encampment, thinking of possibilities which he may have to cover later. For now he would be patient and watch
The Number
Upon Receiving a nod, the Dark One continued, “Vlad is here, my boy. He seems to...” The Number stopped as he saw a couple of high subjects had not understood his displeasure as they were in the Chamber, his anger started building once again as he said, “I thought You Fools were...”
Suddenly, Julius felt anger but also a form of camaraderie, as a king would feel for those who he was pleased with being in his presence. Julius listened hard but could only pick out mumblings of words.
Suddenly, Julius felt anger but also a form of camaraderie, as a king would feel for those who he was pleased with being in his presence. Julius listened hard but could only pick out mumblings of words.
The Dark One sensed the Minotaur Leader and thought, “Ah Julius, you finally getting the Guts to Come and Face Me? No, then what or more importantly who has got your curiosity? Come my Minotaur friend...Come In and talk to me about the three new arrivals for your clan...I Can Insure they Live Julius...Come and Talk...Just Maybe...” He needed Julius to come close enough to read his thoughts or he would never know all the protections placed on the princess.
Stepping back outside he summoned two more Fire-fairies and sent one to Darik with a message on what had happened.
The Minotaur's had paid dearly for their involvement in keeping his Guardian away from him as had the Centaurs but their leaders still lived. The Dark One's fury rose as he realized that The Core had not come within five feet of the cave since the fire that wiped-out eighty percent of the forest.
Focusing his thoughts on Vlad and Protector, The Dark One finished, “Deal With This Pest! Then Vlad, you can tell me and Protector just how you managed to gain the trust of Sasha McChey. Oh and Vlad, Your Skills are Always Needed!”
The Number was please to see Vlad and with a flick of Vlad's wand the others that the Number dismissed were closed out of the chamber so they couldn't re-enter.
The Number was please to see Vlad and with a flick of Vlad's wand the others that the Number dismissed were closed out of the chamber so they couldn't re-enter.
The Shield glowed as The Dark One watched his Protector and Vlad work as if the two had never been apart. He noticed that the Protector's chamber had been left open. The girl had slowly come out of the room and had went to stand by the Protector. “What are you up to girl?Still trying to get a message to those at the school? Maybe I will watch and see if you can bring those I seek to me...Just by You trying to Betray Your Location to the Core?”
He knew that the Number caused the storm and that he didn't want any disturbance while Vlad told the good news to Number and the Protector of the Shield. Vlad did find it interesting that the Number had no problem with the young girl being there but dismissed it so he could tell him the news he came to tell.
"To answer the question about how I got Sasha's trust she saw me sub in Egypt and apparently like my work as a teacher. Plus I pose no threat to them either so she says in the letter. I believe shes done her homework on me for now." Vlad explains in his soft voice to the Number while watching the Ravenclaw Girl out of the corner of his eye.
"To answer the question about how I got Sasha's trust she saw me sub in Egypt and apparently like my work as a teacher. Plus I pose no threat to them either so she says in the letter. I believe shes done her homework on me for now." Vlad explains in his soft voice to the Number while watching the Ravenclaw Girl out of the corner of his eye.
The Dark One watched as Ashley slipped a note into Vlad's pocket and placed a dot on that same pocket.
Core,
Cave...left fork...Center of Cave...Tell Sasha...Traitor!
Ash
The Dark One laughed as he said, “So Vlad, Sasha seems unaware of your connection to me. Good, then check the note the girl placed in your pocket...If she hasn't just Blown Your Cover...Insure her Friends get that little note as I very much would like to meet them! Next see what you can find out about the protections on a few people, her twin for one...”
He heard Ashley say scared, “No...you promised that Luke would be left alone...please....You promised...”
The Number laughed as he said, “I said as Long as You Behaved! You Just Tried to Give My Location Away...So Now Even Seth Lucas Wright is Fair game Thank You Child...As Your Cousin Bren was being Difficult!”
After a few moments of hearing Ashley pleading, he said, “Put her back in the room and The door stays locked this time. First Chance you two get Bring Me The Boy! With Both His Cousins here, Brennan Dawson just might come to his senses...If not...”
Saying softly to Vlad, “Well then I will leave the convincing to you my boy! The Protector has a list of people that interest me and Vlad, I want them all! Vlad, Don't fail Me! There are some at the school I want to be kept busy…
Then to the Protector, Protector, later explain The Caretaker Group to Vlad and bring him up to speed! Don't worry about the girl as she did exactly as I expected...Zia won't come near her but Protector...Her Runes journal...Doesn't come with her other books...Understand?”
VLAD
While listening to the Number tell Ashley that what she was plotting was a bad idea because now it put her twin in danger. Vlad uses legilimency with out letting Number hear him telling Ashley "Not bad guy cause if was wouldn't be friend with Darik and Julius." As a matter a fact I'm to meet Darik later to have a meeting of the minds as I'm on my way to the school." Oh ya don't think I'm giving your friend the letter and I'm taken you ruin book for safe keeping."
While Vlad was using legilimency with Ashley he say will do Number as if agreeing with the Number on his orders. Vlad then direct his attention to the Protector of the Shield. "Now My friend Protector of the Shield what do you have to tell me about the Caretakers and this list the Number has for me while we take a walk here in the cave ok." As Vlad and The Protector of the Shield start to head out Vlad takes Ashley's wand and both him and The Protector of the Shield walk her back to the Room to lock her back in there before going on our walk to discuss what he Number as ordered us to to. Vlad took The Protector to some new areas in the cave that he knows to be safe to talk to him at even out of the Numbers reach to listen in on the conversation.
The Vlad Said to The Protector of the Shield. " Before I leave the cave I need you to promise me one thing that the Number Doesn't harm a hair on them kids." Those kids and the others can help u and me understand the truth that the Number hasn't told you nor me." Please trust me I really need you to talk to these kids with out the Number Knowing and hear them out they are just as innocent as we were and still are." I trust you with my life and I hope you trust me with yours so please when you encounter them or any one out side try to talk to them and find out info that might help you understand more on what I'm talking about ok."
Protector of the Shield
The Shield glowed as The Dark One watched his Protector and Vlad work as if the two had never been apart. He noticed that the Protector's chamber had been left open. The girl had slowly come out of the room and had went to stand by the Protector. “What are you up to girl?Still trying to get a message to those at the school? Maybe I will watch and see if you can bring those I seek to me...Just by You trying to Betray Your Location to the Core?”
Protector smiled and nodded to Vlad as they did The Master's bidding. He was glad to see his best friend back as he really needed to talk with him. Remembering, “With the Master, I didn't need words as we are bonded spiritually. It was different with Vlad as he rarely opened his mind so we bonded through Vlad's stories of his classes and our shared goals in life. I taught Vlad what he needed to serve the Master but as the time came close for Vlad to receive his mark, I chose not to give it.” With that thought Protector realized that it had been the first time he had actually chose to do something different than what he had been train to do.
That made him think about his reasons he chose this new choices, “It would have forced him to never again close his mind to the Master. I couldn't take that choice from him as he had given me his trust and the ability to communicate with words. I have used his advice and started learning more about the world. I want to show the Master that the people of the world are no longer cruel and evil as they were when they imprisoned him. That we don't have to force or trick the guardian. But first the issue of the priest Sinclair has to be addressed. The man confuses me but now with Vlad here I shall have the truth.”
Being brought out of his thoughts by the young girl Ash pulling on his robes. He looked down and shook his head.
"To answer the question about how I got Sasha's trust she saw me sub in Egypt and apparently like my work as a teacher. Plus I pose no threat to them either so she says in the letter. I believe she's done her homework on me for now." Vlad explains in his soft voice to the Number while watching the Ravenclaw Girl out of the corner of his eye.
This news made the protector smile. His friend was going to be at the school. Looking at his Master as he thought, “Now can I go into the school since Vlad will be there? Vlad can even wipe the girl's memory of the cave...He can undo Zia's error caused by bring the child here?” The Protector watched as the shield dimmed. Shaking his head sadly as he knew the answer was a No. “Maybe if I get him the priest then I can ask again?”
The Dark One watched as Ashley slipped a note into Vlad's pocket and placed a dot on that same pocket.
Core,
Cave...left fork...Center of Cave...Tell Sasha...Traitor!
Ash
The Dark One laughed as he said, “So Vlad, Sasha seems unaware of your connection to me. Good, then check the note the girl placed in your pocket...If she hasn't just Blown Your Cover...Insure her Friends get that little note as I very much would like to meet them! Next see what you can find out about the protections on a few people, her twin for one...”
Core,
Cave...left fork...Center of Cave...Tell Sasha...Traitor!
Ash
The Dark One laughed as he said, “So Vlad, Sasha seems unaware of your connection to me. Good, then check the note the girl placed in your pocket...If she hasn't just Blown Your Cover...Insure her Friends get that little note as I very much would like to meet them! Next see what you can find out about the protections on a few people, her twin for one...”
The Protector looked at Ash and inwardly cringed. The girl had done it this time. Thinking to the girl, “Why couldn't you just trust me? I don't want him thinking Zia is better to handle you than me. I was hoping to show him you could be trusted not to give away his secret and now he is back interested in the boy. Though maybe he is right and Zia is a better watcher than I...but I don't like her hurting you...She has a mean streak...maybe Vlad can figure out a way to fix this. Cause if you have my master against you than even I won't be able to protect you?”
He heard Ashley say scared, “No...you promised that Luke would be left alone...please....You promised...”
The Protector felt the girl's fear for her brother but could do nothing. He hoped that all the Master wanted was to scare the young one. To teach Ash to think before doing something as the girl was impulsive. He held her trying to comfort her until he heard his Master. The Protector never wanted the girl to be handed back over to that witch Zia as the high priestess was cruel and had already hurt the girl enough.
The Number laughed as he said, “I said as Long as You Behaved! You Just Tried to Give My Location Away...So Now Even Seth Lucas Wright is Fair game Thank You Child...As Your Cousin Bren was being Difficult!”
While listening to the Number tell Ashley that what she was plotting was a bad idea because now it put her twin in danger. Vlad uses legilimency with out letting Number hear him telling Ashley "Not bad guy cause if was wouldn't be friend with Darik and Julius. As a matter a fact I'm to meet Darik later to have a meeting of the minds as I'm on my way to the school. Oh ya don't think I'm giving your friend the letter and I'm taken your Rune's book for safe keeping."
While listening to the Number tell Ashley that what she was plotting was a bad idea because now it put her twin in danger. Vlad uses legilimency with out letting Number hear him telling Ashley "Not bad guy cause if was wouldn't be friend with Darik and Julius. As a matter a fact I'm to meet Darik later to have a meeting of the minds as I'm on my way to the school. Oh ya don't think I'm giving your friend the letter and I'm taken your Rune's book for safe keeping."
The Protector was worried as now the boy would be targeted again. Looking at Vlad, he realized that his friend did not seem angry about what the girl had done. He prayed that Vlad could fix what she had done because the girl had suffered at the hands of the high priestess Zia.
Ashley listened and shook her head as she said pleading, “Please, I just want to go back to school. My brother is a fourth year now...That's two years ahead of me...I need to attend my classes...Please Let Me Go...I swear...”
After a few moments of hearing Ashley pleading, he said, “Put her back in the room and The door stays locked this time. First Chance you two get Bring Me The Boy! With Both His Cousins here, Brennan Dawson just might come to his senses...If not...”
The Protector heard his Master's orders and nodded. The Master wanted the boy to use as a way to convince the profiler to accept his destiny. He wondered why with certain ones he felt so unsure of his own loyalty. He had hardly ever went against his master and always got disciplined when he did. Those times had been worth the risk as some were unique like Brennan Dawson. He had met the young man twice and even tried to help the profiler once.
He remembered how he had to go through re-educating for that incident. “Master was right though, I had allow my emotions to cloud my thinking. He was right to punish me for interfering. Now I am more focused. As I have proven by using my gift to show that force is not always needed. I pray that they can be reasoned with. My master needs be freed and see that the world is not the evil world that it was. Who knows maybe Master will be happy with just his priest and the profiler Bren? Then the children won't be needed, especially my new little friend, the princess.”
Saying softly to Vlad, “Well then I will leave the convincing to you my boy! The Protector has a list of people that interest me and Vlad, I want them all! Vlad, Don't fail Me! There are some at the school I want to be kept busy...”
The Protector inwardly cringed as he realized that everybody on his list was destined for the mark. His master had never been like this before. He felt the girl cringe but could do nothing to comfort her. She had just sealed both her brother's and the profiler's fate.
The chosen ones would accept the mark by choice or by force. The Master was tired of their lack of respect and now he could do nothing for them but hope that the Master would leave it with just those on the list. “If they continue to push The Master, then their families will pay the price for their lack of respect.”
The Protector had never felt so torn before and just prayed that when the Master calmed down, he could again talk his master into giving him a chance to prove that reason not force was the answer.
While Vlad was using Legilimency with Ashley he say, “will do” to the Number as if agreeing with the Number on his orders.
The Protector noticed that his friend seemed preoccupied. He knew neither of them had a choice. He looked at the young girl with sad eyes. He would at least try to keep her away from Zia.
Looking at the Master while shielding the girl, he thought, “Master, she is a child and unsure of why the high priestess brought her here, please Master...Zia likes to hurt her...I am worried that if...”
Then to the Protector, “Protector, later explain The Caretaker Group to Vlad and bring him up to speed! Don't worry about the girl as she did exactly as I expected...Zia won't come near her but Protector...Her Runes journal...Doesn't come with her other books...Understand?”
Protector smiled as he nodded. The girl was still going to be able to study though not with her Runes' journal. Maybe after the Master calmed down he could request that she be allow her journal? That was if she behaved and stopped getting on the Master's bad side.
Looking at Ash, he smiled as he realized that like the princess, she had an inner strength about her. They were fighters as all those that hung were called The Core were. He just had to make them realize that fighting the Master was one fight they could never hope to win.
Looking at Vlad, he wondered if there was a way to have them accept their destiny without them losing that fighting spirit. It hurt him to think that his and Vlad's gifts would be used to bend the children to submit to the Master's will.
Vlad then direct his attention to the Protector of the Shield. "Now My friend Protector of the Shield what do you have to tell me about the Caretakers and this list the Number has for me while we take a walk here in the cave ok."
The Protector nodded but looked fearful as he remembered that the girl would be unprotected while he was away. The girl seemed to grab his hand and hide behind him as she still looked towards his friend with distrust. The High Priestess Zia had the girl so confused that she barely even trusted him.
Since the high priestess brought Ash here her only friend had been the man known as The Protector and luckily he seemed preoccupied. Ash just had to pray that the new guy was just as occupied. “I have to get to Luke and Brennan before this guy does.” With that thought she took off for the entrance to the chamber. She just prayed that Protector would not get into trouble as the man seemed more like a child.
As Vlad and The Protector of the Shield start to head out Vlad takes Ashley's wand and both him and The Protector of the Shield walk her back to the Room to lock her back in there before going on our walk to discuss what the Number as ordered them to do.
Protector shook his head sadly as they escorted the young one back to her room. He just prayed the girl had not just made matters worst. Vlad had been quick and he smiled at his friend as he thought to the girl sadly, “You might have just cost me and you greatly this time, little one? Be thankful it was Vlad that stopped you! The Master wouldn't not have been as Gentle! Please little one...” He wondered how to explain to the young girl that Vlad was his friend and they could be trusted.
Vlad took The Protector to some new areas in the cave that he knows to be safe to talk to him at even out of the Numbers reach to listen in on the conversation.
The Protector started telling Vlad of the group known as The Caretakers. In a low voice as he handed him the list of targets, Protector said, “Those on that list is either members of or protected by a specialty trained group of wizards known as the Caretakers. The first several names on the list are all members of a young group known as The Core. Who do you want to know about first? By the way Vlad, why did you have to take the little one's wand?”
The Protector got worried as Vlad got to the fork of tunnels and took the right. Talking in a low voice he said scared, “Vlad, we never take this tunnel. I am suppose to stay in the left tunnel. Master said that the right tunnel is too dangerous. He can't shield us in this tunnel if there is a cave in or...”
Vlad said to The Protector of the Shield. "Before I leave the cave I need you to promise me one thing that the Number Doesn't harm a hair on them kids...
Protector was shocked as he said, “Vlad, our job is to bring him the ones on that list. It is not our place to question The Master or to...interfere...in how...he chooses...to educate them? All I can promise is that I won't harm them unless ordered to!”
...Those kids and the others can help u and me understand the truth that the Number hasn't told you nor me...
The Protector started looking around as he got more fearful. Not seeing any of the Dark Sect, he said to his friend, “Vlad careful...If word was to get back that you even questioned his teachings...Please Vlad...You just...got back...We...are suppose...to report...any...members...that are...in...possible need...of re-education...Please... if word...got back...and he realizes...I listened...” Remembering the reminder he had received after Zia had informed the Master of his interference regarding the profiler.
...Please trust me I really need you to talk to these kids with out the Number knowing and hear them out they are just as innocent as we were and still are...
The Protector was visible scared as he said, “She would like nothing better than to tell the Master that I am not suited for this mission...You heard her and her husband...They believe my place is in that chamber by Master's side...Vlad...they have been...trying...to convince...the Master...that I am being...tinted...by my...leaving...the cave?...That I...am not ready...yet...for the...test of loyalty?...I already...failed...one test...by revealing...to some...the true...cause...of the young one's...mother's...death... The high priestess...said...I was influence...by a child...I just...want to see...her...smile...the little one...was so scared... that her...cousin... the... profiler...would go...to Azkaban...to protect...her crime...I just...wanted...to show...the child...that neither...could have done it...I just wanted...”
...I trust you with my life and I hope you trust me with yours so please when you encounter them or any one out side try to talk to them and find out info that might help you understand more on what I'm talking about ok."
Protector was still scared but wanted to show that he trusted his friend. Slowly nodding as he pointed the Core and their guards out, he said, “That is the Core. And it seems the Blocks are with them. The one in Slytherin robes that is talking is Tia Andreas. Master calls her The Guardian. Vlad, the one to her right and extremely protective is Landon Russo. Both are on that list as is that one with the Ravenclaw robes. In fact he has now went to the top of our list as that is Seth Lucas Wright or as the Core call him Luke. The young man that he is talking too is Brennan Dawson, head of security. The men that Tia is to is Lance Kildred and Maxwell Lance Sinclair. Those are most of our targets, though there are others. The Blockers are the problem as is some others that protect the Andreas girl. Vlad, if we take them now? Master would be pleased right? Maybe enough to let the little one go?”
(OCC: Preplanned Thread! Ashley Wright is one of my characters.)
Julius
Julius sat with his back up against one of the trees behind the rock which hid his position from anyone standing at the mouth of the cave. He tried to keep his thoughts calm as he had already had one encounter with the Dark One, because he had not paid attention to his thoughts. He had sent the young watchers back to the main camp so they could say hello to their families and also attend a few of the classes they had missed while on duty at the cave. Julius smiled and shook his head, ‘The young ones preferred to stay on guard duty, probably for the adventure, but as leader of the Clan Julius also had to make sure they learned the lessons of life which would probably save their lives sometime in the future.”
He had not been sitting there long when he noticed a change in the energy coming from the cave. Someone had entered the part of the cave not blocked by the Dark One’s energy. Julius closed his eyes to see if he could pick up on who it was.
The Protector got worried as Vlad got to the fork of tunnels and took the right. Talking in a low voice he said scared, “Vlad, we never take this tunnel. I am suppose to stay in the left tunnel. Master said that the right tunnel is too dangerous. He can't shield us in this tunnel if there is a cave in or...”
Julius picked up on two entities, both male. They were still coming closer to the mouth of the cave. The men were too far back from the entrance for Julius to pick up anything they said. He hoped his little messenger friend was listening well. There was definitely fear and worry being felt by both of the people.
Openening his eyes, Julius sat up straighter and waited for his small flying friend to join him. A small flicker of light shown in the opening and then moved closer to where Julius was sitting. “Hello, Gem, glad to see you are fine.” Gem was the best fire-fairy Julius had in his personal guard for the Clan. He had proved himself more than once by getting information and retaining it for a long period of time. Julius opened up his mind to the little one and listened.
Vlad said to The Protector of the Shield. "Before I leave the cave I need you to promise me one thing that the Number Doesn't harm a hair on them kids...
Protector was shocked as he said, “Vlad, our job is to bring him the ones on that list. It is not our place to question The Master or to...interfere...in how...he chooses...to educate them? All I can promise is that I won't harm them unless ordered to!”
Protector was shocked as he said, “Vlad, our job is to bring him the ones on that list. It is not our place to question The Master or to...interfere...in how...he chooses...to educate them? All I can promise is that I won't harm them unless ordered to!”
One of the men in the unguarded tunnel was the Protector of the Shield, the other one’s name was Vlad. The two of them were apparently back together again. This could be good because Vlad, who Julius remembered as a small boy used to go to the school. He had been a good boy until he had wandered into the tunnel and taken the left-fork one day. From that point on, Darik had requested he be watched. Julius preferred to reserve judgment on the human. The boy had grown into a man and could be dangerous.
The Protector of the Shield would come out to the cave entrance sometimes but never out into the world. Julius remembered though the Protector had ventured out after the fire which destroyed eighty percent of the Forbidden Forest, but not more than a couple of feet. He had looked frightened at the devastation around them. The area around the cave entrance had not been touched, mostly because of the Dark One, as far as Julius knew. It was still well hidden from normal observation, but you did not have to travel very far to see black earth and scorched trees. Someday the Forest would come back, but it would take many years and a lot of wizard and nature magic to make a difference.
(Vlad) “...Those kids and the others can help you and I understand the truth that the Number hasn't told you or me...” Vlad added.
Gen told Julius, Vlad did not want any of the children hurt at the school, because they had information which he needed. The Protector was worried about this because there was a list of people who the Dark Once wanted brought to him Julius wondered if he could somehow get a copy of that list. Maybe if it was laid down somewhere, Gem who had a photo-graphic mind would be able to see who was on it. Darik would definitely want a copy to pass on to his Human’s. This was important information to be passed on.
Julius looked around the bolder he was hidden behind and wondered if the two human’s would come out of the cave. They were close to the entrance that he knew. Closing his eyes, he listened with his ears. He heard mumbling but could not pick up any of the words. In his mind he sent Gem back into the cave entrance, telling him to go very slowly and to stay well hidden. When he was there Julius opened his mind only to Gem and listened. He would be able to hear anything Gem heard.
The Protector … “Vlad careful...If word was to get back that you even questioned his teachings...Please Vlad...You just...got back...We...are suppose...to report...any...members...that are...in...Possible need...of re-education...Please... if word...got back...and he realizes...I listened…”
(Vlad) “...Please trust me I really need you to talk to these kids without the Number knowing and hear them out they are just as innocent as we were and still are...”
(Vlad) “...Please trust me I really need you to talk to these kids without the Number knowing and hear them out they are just as innocent as we were and still are...”
Julius knew the Protector trusted Vlad. Vlad had returned, apparently to find out information about the members of the school. There was still a tinge of softness in the young human’s voice. He had not lost his caring over the last eleven or so years. It was important to let Darik know about the young human’s nature. It would be up to Darik to decide how much he told the human’s. If Vlad stayed long enough he might be able to get the Protector to break his all consuming need to do whatever the evil entity in the cave requested him to do. Julius would not interfere with this job, because he still had a great amount of work to do in rebuilding his Clan home, helping to restore the forest, teaching the young one’s the lessons they need to know, help the Human Village take care of the animals who had been misplaced, who would not venture out of the forest, even though they were hungry.
The Protector was visible scared as he said, “She would like nothing better than to tell the Master that I am not suited for this mission...You heard her and her husband...They believe my place is in that chamber by Master's side...Vlad...they have been...trying...to convince...the Master...that I am being...tainted...by my...leaving...the cave?...That I...am not ready...yet...for the...test of loyalty?...I already...failed...one test...by revealing...to some...the true...cause...of the young one's...mother's...death... The high priestess...said...I was influence...by a child...I just...want to see...her...smile...the little one...was so scared... that her...cousin... the... profiler...would go...to Azkaban...to protect...her crime...I just...wanted...to show...the child...that neither...could have done it...I just wanted...”
Julius cringed when he heard the Protector talk about Zia, the dark witch. He had not had much personal experience with her. Once she had discovered one of the young one’s watching the cave entrance when she arrived, and she had magically thrown rocks and other debris at him. One of the young one’s newly formed antlers had been damaged. Although it would heal it would never grow truly straight. All of the Clan had made sure the young one knew it was a mark of courage.
(Vlad) “...I trust you with my life and I hope you trust me with yours so please when you encounter them or anyone outside try to talk to them and find out info that might help you understand more on what I'm talking about ok."
(Protector) “That is the Core. And it seems the Blockers are with them. … that ….is Tia Andreas. Master calls her The Guardian. … the one to her right …. is Landon Russo. …. that is Seth Lucas Wright or as the Core call him Luke. The young man … Brennan Dawson, …. Tia is talking to … Lance Kildare and Maxwell Lance Sinclair. ….
(Protector) “That is the Core. And it seems the Blockers are with them. … that ….is Tia Andreas. Master calls her The Guardian. … the one to her right …. is Landon Russo. …. that is Seth Lucas Wright or as the Core call him Luke. The young man … Brennan Dawson, …. Tia is talking to … Lance Kildare and Maxwell Lance Sinclair. ….
It had been a long time since Julius had any contact with the Protector. The grown Human, still acted like some of the young humans at the school. But a slight difference was showing at this time. Although he was scared he was listening to Vlad.
The Protector and Vlad were standing just inside the entrance to the cave. Julius was standing now and Gem had flown out to sit on his shoulder. He watched as the Protector pointed out some of the people just barely visible in the Garden area of the school. Looking around the other side of the bolder he saw for himself who was there. He was hoping Darik would show, because he could send Gem with a message on what he had learned. For now all he could do was watch. The young one’s were scheduled to be back before the sun reached the top of the hills behind the school.
VLAD
The girl had done it this time. Thinking to the girl, “Why couldn't you just trust me?
Vlad focused his mind on the Protector, blocking it from the Dark One, "My friend the girl is ony scared and wants to return to her home and family. If you can keep her calm and she does not try to get into trouble again, I can try and get her back to the school." Vlad had a plan but until he was safely teaching in the DADA class, the plan would not work.
(Protector) "I don't want him thinking Zia is better to handle you than me. I was hoping to show him you could be trusted not to give away his secret and now he is back interested in the boy. Though maybe he is right and Zia is a better watcher than I...but I don't like her hurting you...She has a mean streak...maybe Vlad can figure out a way to fix this. Cause if you have my master against you than even I won't be able to protect you?”
"My friend," Vlad thought only to the Protector, "you have spent more time in this cave than I have but you still have a lot to learn about how to handle your world. I will be staying at Hogwart's for a while teaching, so I will help you learn." If Vlad could teach him nothing else he would teach him how to start to think for himself, even if it was only when he was away from the influence of the shield, like the times he ventured out to the entrance of the cave.
Vlad saw the shield dim and realized the Dark One had said no to the Protectors request to visit outside the cave, especially the school. He thought to himself, "Maybe when I am a teacher and I have my own rooms and own class, I can let the Protector come and visit my areas sometimes. It could help him learn the world is not always mean and does not always use pain to get what they want." Vlad would have to be very careful though because he would be allowing it without the Dark One's permission, and that could be dangerous to all of them.
"I can wipe her memory of the cave and make it so she has no idea where she has been, but is must look like the girl has escaped on her own, or Master must give his permission for her to leave. I cannot help her to leave, I will not do that to Master, because he has taught me much and I do owe him my life." Vlad had always known the Master who others refered to as the Dark One, had no problem using pain and mind games to make people do what he wanted … but he had been locked away in this cave for hundreds of years and did not realize the world had changed. Vlad felt sorry for the Master.
Vlad needed to figure out how to keep his best friend from tricking the Priest. The Priest had become a Psy-Healer in the human world, and was well respected. It would be good if Protector talked to Priest and discussed how he felt. The Priest was also considered very brave, so he would probably not run …. it could allow his friend to discover how he was being minipulated.
Vlad wished he could help the Protector. The man had become a brother in all the important ways. As he had grown up and learned from the Dark One, the Protector had always been there, helping with some points he found scarry, and explaining things which did not seem to be right, with what he was learning in school. The Protector had always been able to make it seem correct. Vlad knew the kind of punishment the Dark One gave, he had received some of it himself when he was younger. The Protectors was always more painfull because the Dark One thought he sould not have to taught continuously, but although the man had to be close to 75 years old, she was younger in a lot of ways than Vlad, because he had never experienced the world.
There had to be a way to help the children and the adults who the Dark One was targeting. During his new job at Hogwarts as Professor of DADA, Vlad hoped to learn about the people and let their lives and abilities give him an idea on how he could change the situation. He needed to know the strengths and weaknesses of the people involved.
Protector's words were load and clear, but Vlad realized he was shielding the girl. He had learned some new things since Vlad had been gone. Vlad smiled as he realized the Protector was starting to think for himself.
The Protector still believed the only way to solve what was happening was for the children and others to just give into the Master, because the Master could not be wrong. Someday the Protector would start wondering how right the Master was, and Vlad hoped he would be there, because his friend, his brother was going to not take it easily. It would take much of what he had learned and turn most of the ideas around making them wrong or at a minimum questionable.
Vlad laughed mentally when he heard what Ash was planning. He could not allow her to leave and he had to be the one to stop her. If Master did then the girl could be damaged. Using a stun spell and cloud spell he knocks her flat and then walked over and helped her to get up, "Be good young one … do not make him mad and I will see if I can help Protector take care of you," Vlad smiled and winked at the girl. She was frightened, but he did receive a nod and a weak smile in return.
"Be good young one … do not make him mad and I will see if I can help Protector take care of you," Vlad smiled and winked at the girl. She was frightened, but he did receive a nod and a weak smile in return. "Good, now do what you are told and let Protector and I see what we can do?" Vlad gently handed the girl back to Protector
In this part of the cave, Vlad felt free. The Dark One could not listen to his thought at this point. With Protector, he closed off his mind and used words. The man needed to learn how to talk and put his thoughts into words others could understand. He also had to learn how to decide what he wanted to say and what he wanted left unsaid.
Vlad smiled as they started down the passageway. "Your little friend is a very capible Witch and she would be able to use the wand to escape, which would not be good, because Master would not think twice about punishing her. I will give it to you later for safe keeping, but you must not give it too her."
"But the Master trusts me as you have seen." Vlad said as they continued down the forbidden fork in the tunnel maze. "It is my choice to take you this way and I will accept any punishment for it. Vlad, had made a through seach of the tunnel system since he had first discovered the entrance when he started Hogwarts.
Vlad calmly said, "Do not worry about the Witch Zia … She will soon be not a problem to you or anyone I am interested in. You will be all right, my friend. I will help you with the tests Master decides to give you. We will train together." Vlad inwardly smiled as the Protector straightened his shoulders. "I will also help you with ways to get your little friend to smile." Vlad thought if Ash could do her schoolwork, and Protector helped, he would also learn, which would help to make him a better man and to understand the outside world.
"You should not be frightened of the children, my friend." The fear the Dark One had put into Protectors head had been put there to make him afraid of finding out about the true nature of the group known as the Core. "Explain to me, what you have been told or what you have decided in your mind and heart what is so special and frightening about the group of young ones."
"Give me the list and I will deal with the issue. Keep in mind what I have asked you to think about." The Protector had shown Vlad he was willing to block the Dark One, so he was learning free thinking. "You must think about this by yourself my friend. It must be private thoughts." Receiving a nod he knew the Protector had gotten his message about blocking the Master, when he worked on the meaning of Vlad's words. "I care about you Protector. You are not only my friend but my brother. Now return to the cave, I have much studying to do."
Vlad watched as the Protector turned and walked away. The man turned once to wave good-by, a jester Vlad returned with a smile.
Turning back toward the entrance he caught sight of someone he hadn't seen in a while "Julius, my friend, it is good to see you." Noticing some hesitation in the Minotaur's posture he added, "We are safe now to talk. How have u been?"
Julius
Julius smiled. The Protector had started to listen to Vlad. It would be good information to pass on, because Vlad may be able to help the humans get the Protector out from the Dark One's cave. He would not say anything to Vlad about it though until he checked on how the idea may work. For now all Julius would do was listen and watch if they came out.
Julius sat forward from where he was leaning against the tree. Vlad was talking about training the Protector. He was also talking about the Dark Witch Zia. The boy was feeling very cocky. "I wonder if the man knows what he is talking about… or if he is just being boastfull. As a boy he always wanted to fit in so he used to tell one story to one person and change the story for another person." Julius thought. It had taken several talks to try and get him to stop. Back then Julius thought he had made a difference. It would be interesting to find out.
…
Julius was very close to sending for Darik, but he was undecided. Darik was so busy these days, keeping the animals taken care of and also helping the humans with mind-diving and other jobs. Julius finally decided to wait. He wanted to see if he could get a chance to talk to Vlad, and find out exactly why the man had returned.
To Julius Vlad sounded like he was going to try and protect the human young-ones but since he was a friend of the Dark One in the cave, this made no sense to the Minotaur. Slowly he rocked his head back and forth. Humans could be such a mystery sometimes.
That statement made Julius feel better. Vlad was not trying to control the Protector. But for the Protector to think private thoughts he would have to block the Dark One from reading his mind. If the Protector could do that, and they could get the human to trust them, there was a chance of getting him back into the world, and away from the Dark Arts. Julius smiled a rare smile. There was not much to smile about at present and it felt good.
Vlad apparently felt close to the Protector. This was also a good development. Julius was beginning to understand Vlad had grown up and grown past the emotional level of the Protector. Vlad was a grown man in all sense of the word, while Protector, was physically a man but still a young child in many ways.
Slowly Julius came out from behind the rock, surveying the landscape as he did. When he was satisfied they were truly alone, he leaned up against the rock, crossed his arms across his chest, nodded to Vlad, and said in a calm voice, "You have grown young one. I have been well although as you can see we have had troubles." Julius swept his hand indicating the burnt forest. "I lost some of my clan, and all have been busy trying to save the other clan's and the other wild life. "
Looking Vlad up and down, Julius said with a small smile, "You look good young one …" he stopped and looked Vlad in the eyes, "I guess you are not a young one any more Vlad, my friend. You have been visiting in the cave, so can you tell me why you have returned?" Julius looked toward the school, where most of the human's were going inside. "You know the young ones at the school are a special care of mine and Tocoferty Darik. We would not like to have to take the time to teach you about how much we care for them." Julius was trying hard not to threaten his friend. He liked the young man and preferred to keep him as a friend."
(OOC: Tocoferty stands for Son of Father Who Gives Life in the elfin language, Prince in the human language)
VLAD
While Vlad is walking about after leaving his best friend Protector he already spotted his other friend Julius and told him it was safe to come out they can go to talk safely now. He stand waiting for him to come out so they can take a walk and talk.
Vlad tries to remember what the Protector was talking about and tries to tell himself that the protector is going to be safe and ok.
Vlad had to remind himself that the dark one has disciplined his friend many time when he did something that he should have been that is why he told him to be careful this time and trust him.
Julius and Derik are also Vlads friend and he hopes they can help him with his plan to save the protector and teach him the truth as well as teach him how to block his thoughts.
Vlad remembers when he taught at the other school and worked with the kids he loved it and would do anything to protect them. He hope that he like this school and the kids here as well and still believes that the kids are the future of us all.
Vlad take a look at the list while waiting for Julius to come out and then put it to his side thinking he might just share it with Julius and Derik.
Vlad keep on thinking back on what the Protector was saying and keep telling himself that his friend will be ok as long as he does what he was asked. Vlad fear the worst though because the Protector is like a kid in a adults body still learning.
Vlad see Julius coming out and agrees with him on the fact that he has grown a lot but still has a lot of questions that need answered. Like how is his sister and what happened to the beautiful forest.
Vlad nods his head and says "I know but what is so special about these kids that the number has them on this list." He ask Julius to take a walk and then asks "what happen here as well as how is Derik my friend I meet in Egypt." He also tells Julius he is sorry for stay away so long I miss all my creature friends and I hope some of them are still ok." He tells Julius why he is back."The reason I'm back is because I was invited to teach as a substitute teacher in the school. But the reason I came to the cave was to check in with the number and make sure my friend Protector was ok because I'm worried about his safety and lack of knowledge he has on what is really going on out here in the world.
Julius
Watching as Vlad, came out of the cave, Julius saw a man, not a boy, who had serious thoughts running through his head. The man was not paying much attention to his surroundings, so Julius knew he felt safe at least here by the cave entrance. With all that had happened over the last six months or so Julius was not sure he wanted to see his friend from the past. He had heard rumors the young one had fallen in with some wizards who were questionable to say the least on how dark they were. Julius would not try and judge without talking to Vlad, but he would be leary.
Julius watched and waited to see if they young one would realize he was there. At the moment he was not trying to hide very carefully. Vlad seemed too trusting, so maybe the stories were not true. Someone who was as deep as he had heard in the dark Wizarding world, would be more leery of his surroundings.
A piece of parchment caught Julius' eyes. He normally was very careful to mind his own business, but the situation warranted extra precautions. The young one had come out of a cave where one of the most sadistic beings in existence was as securely locked away as the humans could make him, he was paying a lot of attention to the school, and now he was looking at a piece of paper The Protector had handed him. No matter how you looked at it, the total meant trouble at some point. Julius rubbed his antler and wondered what this human was up to and how far he could let it go in the Forbidden Forest.
Julius watched as Vlad retrieved the list from his pocket. He had not made a move to hand it to him yet, but there was no question in his mind the young one would soon show it to him. Julius was not happy with the idea he had guessed right about the young human's at the school. He also realized the list came from the Dark One in the cave. Julius planned to get a message to Darik as soon as they returned to the Black Rose Garden home. It would have to be a short message asking for a meeting. He did not dare to write anything down. One of the fire-fairy, guards would be able to take the message.
Julius did not think Vlad had anywhere special in mind for their walk, so he steared them toward the portkey so they could travel to the Black Rose Garden. Ever since the fire, Julius and all of the other Clans in the forest, were being extremely careful who they let know how to get to the different home sites. No one except the Clan and clan brothers went to the birthing grounds. Julius wanted Vlad to see the place and to know how lucky they had been to save the 20% of the origianal forest they were able to keep from burning. As they walked he explained a little of what had happened. "At the end of the last school term as the human school was celebrating with the Ball, the forest was ignited and as you can see we lost about 80% of the total woodlands. All the Clans lost members, my clan lost four senior males…. With the help of the humans and Darik, we have set up eating stations for the animals. We have also set up security measures which all have agreed to."
Looking around, to check their surroundings, Julius continued, "Darik is fine, and from what I understand he knows you are coming and wants to meet with you at Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shoppe when you are ready. I will send a message to him when you would like to go. For now, my young friend, I am hoping you will understand why we must use this portkey ." Julius had stopped next to a small tree with initials carved into a heart. "Maybe someday I can show you the way to the Black Rose Garden, but for now, it must be this way."
Before Julius motioned to Vlad to touch the tree, he listened to the reason the young human was back. "You are being honored, my friend. Head Mistress Sasha does not choose lightly the ones she wants to teach her students. I am proud of you. .. As for the Protector … I have been a bit worried about him myself about him. He has been spending more and more time at the entrance to the cave. I know he can block the Number at that point. I have not revealed myself to him, just watched. There are others Vlad who would be willing to help, bring him out of the area, if that would be of interest to you…."
Julius paused, "Let us continue this discussion at the Black Rose Garden. Put you hand on the tree. It is a portkey to the garden."
THE END
(OOC: Continued in Forbidden Forest, Secret Meetings - Part 2 The Black Rose Garden)
"My friend," Vlad thought only to the Protector, "you have spent more time in this cave than I have but you still have a lot to learn about how to handle your world. I will be staying at Hogwart's for a while teaching, so I will help you learn." If Vlad could teach him nothing else he would teach him how to start to think for himself, even if it was only when he was away from the influence of the shield, like the times he ventured out to the entrance of the cave.
“Now can I go into the school since Vlad will be there?
Vlad saw the shield dim and realized the Dark One had said no to the Protectors request to visit outside the cave, especially the school. He thought to himself, "Maybe when I am a teacher and I have my own rooms and own class, I can let the Protector come and visit my areas sometimes. It could help him learn the world is not always mean and does not always use pain to get what they want." Vlad would have to be very careful though because he would be allowing it without the Dark One's permission, and that could be dangerous to all of them.
(Protector) "He can undo Zia's error caused by bring the child here?"
"I can wipe her memory of the cave and make it so she has no idea where she has been, but is must look like the girl has escaped on her own, or Master must give his permission for her to leave. I cannot help her to leave, I will not do that to Master, because he has taught me much and I do owe him my life." Vlad had always known the Master who others refered to as the Dark One, had no problem using pain and mind games to make people do what he wanted … but he had been locked away in this cave for hundreds of years and did not realize the world had changed. Vlad felt sorry for the Master.
“Maybe if I get him the priest then I can ask again?”
Vlad needed to figure out how to keep his best friend from tricking the Priest. The Priest had become a Psy-Healer in the human world, and was well respected. It would be good if Protector talked to Priest and discussed how he felt. The Priest was also considered very brave, so he would probably not run …. it could allow his friend to discover how he was being minipulated.
He remembered how he had to go through re-educating for that incident. “Master was right though, I had allow my emotions to cloud my thinking. He was right to punish me for interfering. Now I am more focused. As I have proven by using my gift to show that force is not always needed. I pray that they can be reasoned with. My master needs be freed and see that the world is not the evil world that it was. Who knows maybe Master will be happy with just his priest and the profiler Bren? Then the children won't be needed, especially my new little friend, the princess.”
Vlad wished he could help the Protector. The man had become a brother in all the important ways. As he had grown up and learned from the Dark One, the Protector had always been there, helping with some points he found scarry, and explaining things which did not seem to be right, with what he was learning in school. The Protector had always been able to make it seem correct. Vlad knew the kind of punishment the Dark One gave, he had received some of it himself when he was younger. The Protectors was always more painfull because the Dark One thought he sould not have to taught continuously, but although the man had to be close to 75 years old, she was younger in a lot of ways than Vlad, because he had never experienced the world.
The chosen ones would accept the park by choice or by force. The Master was tired of their lack of respect and now he could do nothing for them but hope that the Master would leave it with just those on the list. “If they continue to push The Master, then their families will pay the price for their lack of respect.”
There had to be a way to help the children and the adults who the Dark One was targeting. During his new job at Hogwarts as Professor of DADA, Vlad hoped to learn about the people and let their lives and abilities give him an idea on how he could change the situation. He needed to know the strengths and weaknesses of the people involved.
Looking at the Master while shielding the girl, he thought, “Master, she is a child and unsure of why the high priestess brought her here, please Master...Zia likes to hurt her...I am worried that if...”
Protector's words were load and clear, but Vlad realized he was shielding the girl. He had learned some new things since Vlad had been gone. Vlad smiled as he realized the Protector was starting to think for himself.
Looking at Ash, he smiled as he realized that like the princess, she had an inner strength about her. They were fighters as all those that hung were called The Core were. He just had to make them realize that fighting the Master was one fight they could never hope to win. Looking at Vlad, he wondered if there was a way to have them accept their destiny without them losing that fighting spirit. It hurt him to think that his and Vlad's gifts would be used to bend the children to submit to the Master's will.
The Protector still believed the only way to solve what was happening was for the children and others to just give into the Master, because the Master could not be wrong. Someday the Protector would start wondering how right the Master was, and Vlad hoped he would be there, because his friend, his brother was going to not take it easily. It would take much of what he had learned and turn most of the ideas around making them wrong or at a minimum questionable.
Since the high priestess brought Ash here her only friend had been the man known as The Protector and luckily he seemed preoccupied. Ash just had to pray that the new guy was just as occupied. “I have to get to Luke and Brennan before this guy does.” With that thought she took off for the entrance to the chamber. She just prayed that Protector would not get into trouble as the man seemed more like a child.
Vlad laughed mentally when he heard what Ash was planning. He could not allow her to leave and he had to be the one to stop her. If Master did then the girl could be damaged. Using a stun spell and cloud spell he knocks her flat and then walked over and helped her to get up, "Be good young one … do not make him mad and I will see if I can help Protector take care of you," Vlad smiled and winked at the girl. She was frightened, but he did receive a nod and a weak smile in return.
Protector shook his head sadly as they escorted the young one back to her room. He just prayed the girl had not just made matters worst. Vlad had been quick and he smiled at his friend as he thought to the girl sadly, “You might have just cost me and you greatly this time, little one? Be thankful it was Vlad that stopped you! The Master wouldn't not have been as Gentle! Please little one...” He wondered how to explain to the young girl that Vlad was his friend and they could be trusted.
"Be good young one … do not make him mad and I will see if I can help Protector take care of you," Vlad smiled and winked at the girl. She was frightened, but he did receive a nod and a weak smile in return. "Good, now do what you are told and let Protector and I see what we can do?" Vlad gently handed the girl back to Protector
… Vlad takes Ashley's wand and both him and The Protector of the Shield walk her back to the Room to lock her back in there before going on our walk to discuss what the Number as ordered them to do.
…. Vlad had been quick and he smiled at his friend as he thought to the girl sadly, “You might have just cost me and you greatly this time, little one? Be thankful it was Vlad that stopped you! The Master wouldn't not have been as Gentle! Please little one...” He wondered how to explain to the young girl that Vlad was his friend and they could be trusted. …
Vlad took The Protector to some new areas in the cave that he knows to be safe to talk to him at even out of the Numbers reach to listen in on the conversation. The Protector was the first to talk, "Who do you want to know about first?"
…. Vlad had been quick and he smiled at his friend as he thought to the girl sadly, “You might have just cost me and you greatly this time, little one? Be thankful it was Vlad that stopped you! The Master wouldn't not have been as Gentle! Please little one...” He wondered how to explain to the young girl that Vlad was his friend and they could be trusted. …
Vlad took The Protector to some new areas in the cave that he knows to be safe to talk to him at even out of the Numbers reach to listen in on the conversation. The Protector was the first to talk, "Who do you want to know about first?"
In this part of the cave, Vlad felt free. The Dark One could not listen to his thought at this point. With Protector, he closed off his mind and used words. The man needed to learn how to talk and put his thoughts into words others could understand. He also had to learn how to decide what he wanted to say and what he wanted left unsaid.
(Protector) "…By the way Vlad, why did you have to take the little one's wand?"
Vlad smiled as they started down the passageway. "Your little friend is a very capible Witch and she would be able to use the wand to escape, which would not be good, because Master would not think twice about punishing her. I will give it to you later for safe keeping, but you must not give it too her."
(Protector) “Vlad, we never take this tunnel. I am supposed to stay in the left tunnel. Master said that the right tunnel is too dangerous. He can't shield us in this tunnel if there is a cave in or...”
"But the Master trusts me as you have seen." Vlad said as they continued down the forbidden fork in the tunnel maze. "It is my choice to take you this way and I will accept any punishment for it. Vlad, had made a through seach of the tunnel system since he had first discovered the entrance when he started Hogwarts.
The Protector was visible scared as he said, “She would like nothing better than to tell the Master that I am not suited for this mission... You heard her and her husband... They believe my place is in that chamber by Master's side...Vlad...they have been...trying...to convince...the Master...that I am being... tinted ... by my...leaving...the cave... That I...am not ready...yet...for the...test of loyalty ...I already...failed... one test...by revealing...to some...the true...cause...of the young one's...mother's...death... The high priestess...said...I was influence... by a child...I just...want to see...her...smile...the little one...was so scared... that her...cousin... the... profiler...would go...to Azkaban...to protect...her crime...I just...wanted...to show...the child...that neither...could have done it...I just wanted...”
Vlad calmly said, "Do not worry about the Witch Zia … She will soon be not a problem to you or anyone I am interested in. You will be all right, my friend. I will help you with the tests Master decides to give you. We will train together." Vlad inwardly smiled as the Protector straightened his shoulders. "I will also help you with ways to get your little friend to smile." Vlad thought if Ash could do her schoolwork, and Protector helped, he would also learn, which would help to make him a better man and to understand the outside world.
Protector was still scared but wanted to show that he trusted his friend. Slowly nodding as he pointed the Core and their guards out, he said, “That is the Core. And it seems the Blocks are with them. The one in Slytherin robes that is talking is Tia Andreas. Master calls her The Guardian. Vlad, the one to her right and extremely protective is Landon Russo. Both are on that list as is that one with the Ravenclaw robes. In fact, he has now went to the top of our list as that is Seth Lucas Wright or as the Core call him Luke. The young man that he is talking too is Brennan Dawson, head of security. The men that Tia is to are Lance Kildare and Maxwell Lance Sinclair. Those are most of our targets, though there are others. The Blockers are the problem as is some others that protect the Andreas girl. Vlad, if we take them now? Master would be pleased right? Maybe enough to let the little one go?”
"You should not be frightened of the children, my friend." The fear the Dark One had put into Protectors head had been put there to make him afraid of finding out about the true nature of the group known as the Core. "Explain to me, what you have been told or what you have decided in your mind and heart what is so special and frightening about the group of young ones."
"Give me the list and I will deal with the issue. Keep in mind what I have asked you to think about." The Protector had shown Vlad he was willing to block the Dark One, so he was learning free thinking. "You must think about this by yourself my friend. It must be private thoughts." Receiving a nod he knew the Protector had gotten his message about blocking the Master, when he worked on the meaning of Vlad's words. "I care about you Protector. You are not only my friend but my brother. Now return to the cave, I have much studying to do."
Vlad watched as the Protector turned and walked away. The man turned once to wave good-by, a jester Vlad returned with a smile.
Turning back toward the entrance he caught sight of someone he hadn't seen in a while "Julius, my friend, it is good to see you." Noticing some hesitation in the Minotaur's posture he added, "We are safe now to talk. How have u been?"
Julius
One of the men in the unguarded tunnel was the Protector of the Shield; the other one’s name was Vlad. … The boy had grown into a man and could be dangerous.
(Protector) “Vlad, we never take this tunnel. I am supposed to stay in the left tunnel. Master said that the right tunnel is too dangerous. He can't shield us in this tunnel if there is a cave in or...”
(Vlad) "It is my choice to take you this way and I will accept any punishment for it. Vlad, had made a through search of the tunnel system since he had first discovered the entrance when he started Hogwarts.
(Protector) “Vlad, we never take this tunnel. I am supposed to stay in the left tunnel. Master said that the right tunnel is too dangerous. He can't shield us in this tunnel if there is a cave in or...”
(Vlad) "It is my choice to take you this way and I will accept any punishment for it. Vlad, had made a through search of the tunnel system since he had first discovered the entrance when he started Hogwarts.
Julius smiled. The Protector had started to listen to Vlad. It would be good information to pass on, because Vlad may be able to help the humans get the Protector out from the Dark One's cave. He would not say anything to Vlad about it though until he checked on how the idea may work. For now all Julius would do was listen and watch if they came out.
The Protector was visible scared as he said, “She would like nothing better than to tell the Master that I am not suited for this mission... ,,,
Vlad calmly said, "Do not worry about the Witch Zia … She will soon be not a problem to you or anyone I am interested in. You will be all right, my friend. I will help you with the tests Master decides to give you. We will train together."
Vlad calmly said, "Do not worry about the Witch Zia … She will soon be not a problem to you or anyone I am interested in. You will be all right, my friend. I will help you with the tests Master decides to give you. We will train together."
Julius sat forward from where he was leaning against the tree. Vlad was talking about training the Protector. He was also talking about the Dark Witch Zia. The boy was feeling very cocky. "I wonder if the man knows what he is talking about… or if he is just being boastfull. As a boy he always wanted to fit in so he used to tell one story to one person and change the story for another person." Julius thought. It had taken several talks to try and get him to stop. Back then Julius thought he had made a difference. It would be interesting to find out.
Julius looked around the bolder he was hidden behind and wondered if the two human’s would come out of the cave. They were close to the entrance that he knew. Closing his eyes, he listened with his ears. He heard mumbling but could not pick up any of the words. In his mind he sent Gem back into the cave entrance, telling him to go very slowly and to stay well hidden. When he was, there Julius opened his mind only to Gem and listened. He would be able to hear anything Gem heard.
(Protector) “That is the Core…. Vlad, if we take them now? Master would be pleased right?
(Protector) “That is the Core…. Vlad, if we take them now? Master would be pleased right?
Julius was very close to sending for Darik, but he was undecided. Darik was so busy these days, keeping the animals taken care of and also helping the humans with mind-diving and other jobs. Julius finally decided to wait. He wanted to see if he could get a chance to talk to Vlad, and find out exactly why the man had returned.
"You should not be frightened of the children, my friend. ….Give me the list and I will deal with the issue…. "
To Julius Vlad sounded like he was going to try and protect the human young-ones but since he was a friend of the Dark One in the cave, this made no sense to the Minotaur. Slowly he rocked his head back and forth. Humans could be such a mystery sometimes.
(Vlad) "…You must think about this by yourself my friend. It must be private thoughts. …. "
That statement made Julius feel better. Vlad was not trying to control the Protector. But for the Protector to think private thoughts he would have to block the Dark One from reading his mind. If the Protector could do that, and they could get the human to trust them, there was a chance of getting him back into the world, and away from the Dark Arts. Julius smiled a rare smile. There was not much to smile about at present and it felt good.
(Vlad) " … You are not only my friend but my brother. Now return to the cave, I have much studying to do."
Vlad apparently felt close to the Protector. This was also a good development. Julius was beginning to understand Vlad had grown up and grown past the emotional level of the Protector. Vlad was a grown man in all sense of the word, while Protector, was physically a man but still a young child in many ways.
Vlad watched as the Protector turned and walked away. The man turned once to wave good-by, a jester Vlad returned with a smile.
Turning back toward the entrance he caught sight of someone he hadn't seen in a while "Julius, my friend, it is good to see you." Noticing some hesitation in the Minotaur's posture he added, "We are safe now to talk. How have you been?"
Turning back toward the entrance he caught sight of someone he hadn't seen in a while "Julius, my friend, it is good to see you." Noticing some hesitation in the Minotaur's posture he added, "We are safe now to talk. How have you been?"
Slowly Julius came out from behind the rock, surveying the landscape as he did. When he was satisfied they were truly alone, he leaned up against the rock, crossed his arms across his chest, nodded to Vlad, and said in a calm voice, "You have grown young one. I have been well although as you can see we have had troubles." Julius swept his hand indicating the burnt forest. "I lost some of my clan, and all have been busy trying to save the other clan's and the other wild life. "
Looking Vlad up and down, Julius said with a small smile, "You look good young one …" he stopped and looked Vlad in the eyes, "I guess you are not a young one any more Vlad, my friend. You have been visiting in the cave, so can you tell me why you have returned?" Julius looked toward the school, where most of the human's were going inside. "You know the young ones at the school are a special care of mine and Tocoferty Darik. We would not like to have to take the time to teach you about how much we care for them." Julius was trying hard not to threaten his friend. He liked the young man and preferred to keep him as a friend."
(OOC: Tocoferty stands for Son of Father Who Gives Life in the elfin language, Prince in the human language)
VLAD
While Vlad is walking about after leaving his best friend Protector he already spotted his other friend Julius and told him it was safe to come out they can go to talk safely now. He stand waiting for him to come out so they can take a walk and talk.
Julius smiled. The Protector had started to listen to Vlad. It would be good information to pass on, because Vlad may be able to help the humans get the Protector out from the Dark One's cave. He would not say anything to Vlad about it though until he checked on how the idea may work. For now all Julius would do was listen and watch if they came out.
Vlad tries to remember what the Protector was talking about and tries to tell himself that the protector is going to be safe and ok.
Julius sat forward from where he was leaning against the tree. Vlad was talking about training the Protector. He was also talking about the Dark Witch Zia. The boy was feeling very cocky. "I wonder if the man knows what he is talking about… or if he is just being boastfull. As a boy he always wanted to fit in so he used to tell one story to one person and change the story for another person." Julius thought. It had taken several talks to try and get him to stop. Back then Julius thought he had made a difference. It would be interesting to find out.
Vlad had to remind himself that the dark one has disciplined his friend many time when he did something that he should have been that is why he told him to be careful this time and trust him.
Julius was very close to sending for Darik, but he was undecided. Darik was so busy these days, keeping the animals taken care of and also helping the humans with mind-diving and other jobs. Julius finally decided to wait. He wanted to see if he could get a chance to talk to Vlad, and find out exactly why the man had returned.
Julius and Derik are also Vlads friend and he hopes they can help him with his plan to save the protector and teach him the truth as well as teach him how to block his thoughts.
To Julius Vlad sounded like he was going to try and protect the human young-ones but since he was a friend of the Dark One in the cave, this made no sense to the Minotaur. Slowly he rocked his head back and forth. Humans could be such a mystery sometimes.
Vlad remembers when he taught at the other school and worked with the kids he loved it and would do anything to protect them. He hope that he like this school and the kids here as well and still believes that the kids are the future of us all.
That statement made Julius feel better. Vlad was not trying to control the Protector. But for the Protector to think private thoughts he would have to block the Dark One from reading his mind. If the Protector could do that, and they could get the human to trust them, there was a chance of getting him back into the world, and away from the Dark Arts. Julius smiled a rare smile. There was not much to smile about at present and it felt good.
Vlad take a look at the list while waiting for Julius to come out and then put it to his side thinking he might just share it with Julius and Derik.
Vlad apparently felt close to the Protector. This was also a good development. Julius was beginning to understand Vlad had grown up and grown past the emotional level of the Protector. Vlad was a grown man in all sense of the word, while Protector, was physically a man but still a young child in many ways.
Vlad keep on thinking back on what the Protector was saying and keep telling himself that his friend will be ok as long as he does what he was asked. Vlad fear the worst though because the Protector is like a kid in a adults body still learning.
Slowly Julius came out from behind the rock, surveying the landscape as he did. When he was satisfied they were truly alone, he leaned up against the rock, crossed his arms across his chest, nodded to Vlad, and said in a calm voice, "You have grown young one. I have been well although as you can see we have had troubles." Julius swept his hand indicating the burnt forest. "I lost some of my clan, and all have been busy trying to save the other clan's and the other wild life. "
Vlad see Julius coming out and agrees with him on the fact that he has grown a lot but still has a lot of questions that need answered. Like how is his sister and what happened to the beautiful forest.
Looking Vlad up and down, Julius said with a small smile, "You look good young one …" he stopped and looked Vlad in the eyes, "I guess you are not a young one any more Vlad, my friend. You have been visiting in the cave, so can you tell me why you have returned?" Julius looked toward the school, where most of the human's were going inside. "You know the young ones at the school are a special care of mine and Tocoferty Darik. We would not like to have to take the time to teach you about how much we care for them." Julius was trying hard not to threaten his friend. He liked the young man and preferred to keep him as a friend.
Vlad nods his head and says "I know but what is so special about these kids that the number has them on this list." He ask Julius to take a walk and then asks "what happen here as well as how is Derik my friend I meet in Egypt." He also tells Julius he is sorry for stay away so long I miss all my creature friends and I hope some of them are still ok." He tells Julius why he is back."The reason I'm back is because I was invited to teach as a substitute teacher in the school. But the reason I came to the cave was to check in with the number and make sure my friend Protector was ok because I'm worried about his safety and lack of knowledge he has on what is really going on out here in the world.
Julius
Julius was very close to sending for Darik, but he was undecided. Darik was so busy these days, keeping the animals taken care of and also helping the humans with mind-diving and other jobs. Julius finally decided to wait. He wanted to see if he could get a chance to talk to Vlad, and find out exactly why the man had returned.
Julius and Derik are also Vlad's friend and he hopes they can help him with his plan to save the protector and teach him the truth as well as teach him how to block his thoughts.
Julius and Derik are also Vlad's friend and he hopes they can help him with his plan to save the protector and teach him the truth as well as teach him how to block his thoughts.
Watching as Vlad, came out of the cave, Julius saw a man, not a boy, who had serious thoughts running through his head. The man was not paying much attention to his surroundings, so Julius knew he felt safe at least here by the cave entrance. With all that had happened over the last six months or so Julius was not sure he wanted to see his friend from the past. He had heard rumors the young one had fallen in with some wizards who were questionable to say the least on how dark they were. Julius would not try and judge without talking to Vlad, but he would be leary.
To Julius Vlad sounded like he was going to try and protect the human young-ones but since he was a friend of the Dark One in the cave, this made no sense to the Minotaur. Slowly he rocked his head back and forth. Humans could be such a mystery sometimes.
Vlad remembers when he taught at the other school and worked with the kids he loved it and would do anything to protect them. He hope that he like this school and the kids here as well and still believes that the kids are the future of us all.
Vlad remembers when he taught at the other school and worked with the kids he loved it and would do anything to protect them. He hope that he like this school and the kids here as well and still believes that the kids are the future of us all.
Julius watched and waited to see if they young one would realize he was there. At the moment he was not trying to hide very carefully. Vlad seemed too trusting, so maybe the stories were not true. Someone who was as deep as he had heard in the dark Wizarding world, would be more leery of his surroundings.
Vlad take a look at the list while waiting for Julius to come out and then put it to his side thinking he might just share it with Julius and Derik.
A piece of parchment caught Julius' eyes. He normally was very careful to mind his own business, but the situation warranted extra precautions. The young one had come out of a cave where one of the most sadistic beings in existence was as securely locked away as the humans could make him, he was paying a lot of attention to the school, and now he was looking at a piece of paper The Protector had handed him. No matter how you looked at it, the total meant trouble at some point. Julius rubbed his antler and wondered what this human was up to and how far he could let it go in the Forbidden Forest.
Looking Vlad up and down, Julius said with a small smile, "You look good young one …I guess you are not a young one any more Vlad, my friend. You have been visiting in the cave, so can you tell me why you have returned …You know the young ones at the school are a special care of mine and Tocoferty Darik. We would not like to have to take the time to teach you about how much we care for them."
Vlad nods his head and says "I know but what is so special about these kids that the number has them on this list."
Vlad nods his head and says "I know but what is so special about these kids that the number has them on this list."
Julius watched as Vlad retrieved the list from his pocket. He had not made a move to hand it to him yet, but there was no question in his mind the young one would soon show it to him. Julius was not happy with the idea he had guessed right about the young human's at the school. He also realized the list came from the Dark One in the cave. Julius planned to get a message to Darik as soon as they returned to the Black Rose Garden home. It would have to be a short message asking for a meeting. He did not dare to write anything down. One of the fire-fairy, guards would be able to take the message.
He ask Julius to take a walk and then asks "…What happen here as well as how is Derik my friend I meet in Egypt." He also tells Julius he is sorry for stay away so long I miss all my creature friends and I hope some of them are still ok. ….
Julius did not think Vlad had anywhere special in mind for their walk, so he steared them toward the portkey so they could travel to the Black Rose Garden. Ever since the fire, Julius and all of the other Clans in the forest, were being extremely careful who they let know how to get to the different home sites. No one except the Clan and clan brothers went to the birthing grounds. Julius wanted Vlad to see the place and to know how lucky they had been to save the 20% of the origianal forest they were able to keep from burning. As they walked he explained a little of what had happened. "At the end of the last school term as the human school was celebrating with the Ball, the forest was ignited and as you can see we lost about 80% of the total woodlands. All the Clans lost members, my clan lost four senior males…. With the help of the humans and Darik, we have set up eating stations for the animals. We have also set up security measures which all have agreed to."
Looking around, to check their surroundings, Julius continued, "Darik is fine, and from what I understand he knows you are coming and wants to meet with you at Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shoppe when you are ready. I will send a message to him when you would like to go. For now, my young friend, I am hoping you will understand why we must use this portkey ." Julius had stopped next to a small tree with initials carved into a heart. "Maybe someday I can show you the way to the Black Rose Garden, but for now, it must be this way."
"The reason I'm back is because I was invited to teach as a substitute teacher in the school. But the reason I came to the cave was to check in with The Number and make sure my friend Protector was ok because I'm worried about his safety and lack of knowledge he has on what is really going on out here in the world.
Before Julius motioned to Vlad to touch the tree, he listened to the reason the young human was back. "You are being honored, my friend. Head Mistress Sasha does not choose lightly the ones she wants to teach her students. I am proud of you. .. As for the Protector … I have been a bit worried about him myself about him. He has been spending more and more time at the entrance to the cave. I know he can block the Number at that point. I have not revealed myself to him, just watched. There are others Vlad who would be willing to help, bring him out of the area, if that would be of interest to you…."
Julius paused, "Let us continue this discussion at the Black Rose Garden. Put you hand on the tree. It is a portkey to the garden."
THE END
(OOC: Continued in Forbidden Forest, Secret Meetings - Part 2 The Black Rose Garden)