Post by Admin on Aug 8, 2020 20:21:29 GMT
Neo's First Week in the Service of Perdition (Isle of Perdition)
(OCC: Continuation of Isle of Perdition, , Neo's Stay on the Isle of Perdition: The Beginning )
(This thread is happening the same time as Marco Re-learns the Future: The Beginning (Isle of Perdition))
FRANK COLE
The Dark Key walked slowly looking over his shoulder a couple of times to see how close the elf was following. He shook his head as he realized the elf was not going to let him more than a few steps out of his reach. The elves were also the only ones on the island who could do magic, so even if he got a good head start he knew he was not going to get far. As he got into the jeep to be taken to the training grounds, he started to think of what was going to be needed for the next day. It galled him to think he was going to have to make friends with the weaklings in the man's small army. At least he was going to be able to gather information for his maker that should get him some time to use this body for some real fun
Cole had risen at 5:00 am so he could be in his office before Neo was woken at 6:00 am to begin his first day as a member of Cole's forces. As he turned on the monitor, Neo was being led out of the Training Areas building toward a group of tents on the other side of the obstacle course. Within the group of five two man tents, fires had been restoked and the smell of bacon, sausage and eggs floated on the air. As Neo approached, he prepared to sit on one of the logs and get served breakfast. Cole chuckled as the men were formed up and each was handed an energy bar and a bottle of water. He listened as Saunders said, "Each of you will start your day with the energy bar and the water. After you have finished them, you will run the obstacle course two times, take a shower over there," Saunders pointed to a tent which held cold water showers, "then you can report back here for a proper breakfast. Ladies and gentlemen do not throw away your energy bars, they must be eaten and your water drank before you can run the course. Now comply."
The Dark Key was furious that he had to take orders from a female but as he was craving his medicine, he said nothing. He downed the energy bar and water, as quickly as possible and then took off over the course. He was not the first to start, but he was in the second two. With the way Neo's body felt, he had confidence he would make it through the two times with no problem. He paid attention to the next obstacle while watching in front of and behind where he was, to see how close others were.
Obstacle Course: There is a double course so two people can run side by side. Starts with a set of five hurdles of various heights; after that is the double rope swing, where you have to use the first rope to get to the second and then to the other side of a ditch then under a bobwired crawl area 50 feet in lengh. After the ropes is an twelve-foot rock wall with hand holds scattered up to the top. On the other side of the wall is a rope ladder; then a group of ten hurdles also of various heights feeding directly into a rope bridge across a long gully. On the other side of the gully is a group of 15 hurdles of various heights.
Cole watched the screen as Neo made good progress in the course. Although he had run it before, Cole steepled his fingers when he realized there was not the same suptal grace as when Neo had been in charge. The Dark Key was more hesitant and was having dificulty with some of the more difficult parts. Cole looked away from the screen when Punta entered with his breakfast. As the elf put it on his desk, Cole said, "Tell Tarka to watch him closely for differences. I have already noted a few, and anything we learn now may help us in the future, when the Dark Key tries to trick us and make us think we are talking to Master Neo."
Punta smiled and nodded. "I will let him know immediately Master Frank. Artkee is with Neo in the dark place. I do not like seeing Master Neo's conscious in that place. I will be glad when we can join him back with his own body and bury the Dark Key somewhere in the back of Master Neo's brain. Master Neo is going to feel the pain of craving and the pain the Dark Key is going to put his body through, but Artkee has worked out ways to block some of the side effects of the drug you have put into his body. Is there anything else you require at the moment Master Frank? I need to supervise some of the happenings in the caves. One of the dragons is sick, and we have not figureed out why."
Cole shook his head, "No go. Let me know if we need to bring anything special onto the island for the dragon. Mistress Pippin at the school is an expert and I think I can arrange it for you to talk with her, but it will have to be off school grounds and even outside of Hogsmeade limits or Diagon Alley. I don't want anything connected with those I can get help from, and what we do here."
"Understood, Master Frank," Punta turned and left the room. Cole took off the cover to his breakfast and slowly ate while watching the screen. The Dark Key had Neo's body just about through the second run.
The Dark Key had not said a word to any of the other people in his Training team. When one of the men had faltered not far from him, Neo had shown concern at frist, as if his instincts had said to help the man, but the concern was wiped away quickly and the Dark Key led the body to the showers. There he took a quick shower, dressed in the clean fatigues set out for each of the troops and headed to get breakfast.
He was about to serve himself when the Sergeant walked up and said, "Attention, Trainee Spellman." When the Dark key grudgingly came to attention, Saunders continued, "You will eat when all of your fellow trainees have shown up. This is a group, Trainee Spellman and thus will eat, drink, rest and learn as a group. Am I understood?" By this time, Saunders had stepped well within Neo's personal space.
At first the Dark Key did not answer, but thought for a second the look of defiance he had given the Sergeant was going to get him in trouble. When he was not told anything else, just stared at, he whispered, "Yes Ma'me." But that was not going to be good enough he soon found out.
Saunders took a half of step closer and said, "I am afraid I did not hear your reply clearing, Trainee Spellman. Would you like to try again?"
The Dark Key clinched the bodies teeth and said in a louder voice. "Yes. Ma'me."
By this time all of the others had joined, them and all stood at attention around the Dark Key. He could hear several snickers that he knew the Sergeant had heard but apparently was not going to recognize. The Dark Key, flecked and unflecked his hands then forced them to stay open. Cole had told him to make friends, and he had to admit it would be the fasted way to find out information about the men around him and even the island. "I wish to apologize ma'me for the way I am acted."
Saunders looked at him with a questioning look, but nodded and said, "Very good, Trainee Spellman. You and your team may now eat."
Cole chuckled as he saw and heard Saunders put the Dark Key into his place. He knew she would become part of the Dark Key's problem people report list. Cole knew he could trust the woman with his life so it was going to be interesting on whom else the Dark Key added to that list. The Dark Key did appear to take into consideration the snickers he had gotten, and Cole had to admit, the thing could think on his feet. Gradually the Dark Key, had Neo's body helping others and getting into the general swing of things as far as conversation went.
After he finished his breakfast, The Dark Key went over to where the woman was and smiled as he thought how best to get the snickers to stop as well as get the body punished. He came up with an idea quickly. He acted as if he was going to help her by taking her plate when she was done but instead grabbed her bag and took off for the woods. He was still smiling as he had every intention of them finding him. Once they did he would release the true self just long enough to feel the pain of punishment and then return him to the wall.
Cole quickly divided the screen into four views, so he could keep track of where the Dark key was running. Saunders looked into the camera lense, so he signaled her to stay where she was. Closing his eyes, he called Punta back into the room, and sent a message to Tarka, to find Neo's
body and hold in restraints. Rubbing his chin and sitting back in the chair, he tried to figure out what the Dark Key was doing. The thing was not stupid, so he would realize he could not get off the island. He knew he would be captured and punished. Since he would also know, Neo would feel the punishment somewhat; he wanted to cause pain and partial destruction to Neo's body.
Punta walked in and Cole pointed to the screen. "Do not allow the Dark Key to switch places with Neo on the wall, because I think he might be considering it. Tell Artkee to block what he can as far as the pain the Dark Key is going to feel as punishment." As they both looked at the wall the Dark Key had tripped and Tarka was standing about four feet away from him, slowly raising his arm. The Dark Key froze, then fell face first into the dirt. "Punta, have him brought directly to my office and put on the wall, now."
The elf smiled and closed his eyes. Soon Neo's body appeared spread eagle in the chains on Cole's office wall, facing out. Cole just swiveled his chair around and stared at the man, waiting for him to make the first move.
(OOC: Opening quote from CLOSED - Elsewhere, Neo's Four Months in Perdition… The Obstacle course information can be found in Legacy Wiki, Places, Isle of Perdition. This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane, we hope you enjoy the thread.)
NEO SPELLMAN
The Dark Key seemed to be cringing but was in fact trying to switch places as he told the true Neo, "Have fun and remember this pain could have been avoided, Neo. All you had to do was stay loyal to our Master. You will go back you know...just like before. It is just a matter of time and how much you will force your family to suffer." Neo heard the Dark Key's words and cringed as he knew the thing planned on him being in pain very soon.
Neo tensed on the wall, trying to prepare himself for the pain he knew was coming. He had to hold on, because Cole had to be able to use the Dark Key for information. He just hoped he would be able to come out of this with his brain intact. Looking over in the corner of the dark cell he saw Artkee appear and the elf was smiling. As he walked closer, the elf held out his hand forcing Neo to fight the cringe of expecting the elf to cause some pain. The elf just walked up close to him and put his hand on Neo's chest, whispering, "It is alright Master Neo I am here. He will not be able to change with you. I will not be able to stop all the pain, but you will not feel most of it. Your body needs to stay partially connected to this you, so that we can stay in contact. Have courage Master Neo." Neo could only nod and tried to relax.
Cole watched as the Dark Key finally realized he could not switch bodies and thus he was going to feel the full brunt of any pain delivered. Pulling on the chains of his arms and trying to move his legs, the Dark Key said in an ever increasing panic filled voice, "No, you can't do this. Neo must feel the pain."
Chuckling, Cole got up out of his seat and walked around his desk, to sit on the edge of it, facing the struggling Dark Key. "I told you that you would regret any action which did not benefit your training. Now the only thing I need to decide on is your punishment. I have several different ways I can go with this. I can beat on the body which I am not prone to do or I can just keep you there for a while, so you miss your next shot of drugs, which if I am not mistaken," Cole looked at his watch, "… should be given in about three hours." Cole chuckled and added, "This is a hard decision…. What do you think Dark Key? Care to give some input here."
The Dark Key cringed but of the two options given only one served his purpose. He said hoping that by offering to give up the shot would in fact insure that Neo's body got the beating instead, "I will miss my shot, Sir. It was just a prank sir as I was hoping the other men would follow me and we could get some extra training in. I was bored Sir and meant no harm."
"Agreed," Cole said. The worst of the symptoms could be held off Neo by Artkee and the body would not be marked up. Cole sat back down at his desk and picked up some paper, pretending to look through them. Punta had gone to stand near the Dark Key, and was smiling. Cole was wondering what the elf was picking up. He did not have long to wait though.
The Dark Key outwardly smiled but inwardly he was terrified. He was about to suffer and was unsure if it would be enough to drive home the Cloaked Man's message to Neo. If Neo did not return, then what would the Cloaked Man do to him was all the Dark Key could think about. The Key knew it could mean his destruction or worse to be trapped without experiencing all that having a body had to offer. "I am a spirit after all, aren't I? If I do not complete my task then the Cloaked Man might find me unworthy of a body of my own. Then I will lose everything as the Cloaked Man said that the Dark One would give me a body of my choosing. I want the body of the one called Franco or even the boy Brennan would do. But he won't request it from the Dark One if I anger him instead I will be punished...No Neo must return as I won't be...."
Even though Cole pretended to keep checking the papers on his desk, his mind listened to the Dark Key. It was interesting that th Dark One had actually convince the Dark Key, that he was the spirit of a man who had died along time ago, and was going to be given a new body of his choosing when he completed the task of getting Neo back into the Cloak Men's circle. Cole wondered how long he could keep the Dark Key from knowing, eventually he would just be absorbed into Neo's body as if he had just been a bad dream. The Dark Key was just an embodiment of Neo's fears, dark thoughts, and his inner bully which he had gotten control of when he had gotten off the original drugs.
Cole stood up. Standing in front of the Dark Key he said, "I am going to leave for about three hours. I figure you are already starting to feel the effects of withdrawal from the drug. Maybe when you find out what the full effect of the withdrawal is from my brand of drugs, you and I can come to a better understanding." Taking his hand and lightly slapping the Dark Key's check, he added, "Enjoy, Dark Key. We will talk soon when you realize I choose how your life is going to go for the next four months." Cole chuckled and stepped back. Motioning Tarka over he said, "Let me know if he has begged enough for another shot. I will be at the training grounds checking the new recruits training." Receiving a nod from Tarka, Cole motioned Punta to follow him.
The Dark Key was in pain but it was nothing compared to what would happen if he failed the Cloaked Man. He pleaded with the one known as Fixer, "You don't understand, I can't fail him... Please you don't know what it is like to be bound to a life that you were given no choice in. Please I can't anger him or I may never be given my heart's desire? All he wants is for Neo to honor his vow of loyalty. He chose that life, I did not. My parents chose it for me but sending me to The High Priest of Thoth's temple. I was innocent but did the Pharaoh care, no I was punished along with the others... stripped from my body. Please this is the last task I must do to gain my freedom?" The pain was unbearable but the Dark Key had no choice but to endure the pain.
Cole continued out the door with Punta right behind him. He shook his head at the idea's the Cloak man had put into the things mind. In about two hours the Dark Key would be begging Cole to make the pain stop. At that point then Cole would be able to call the shots and the thing would be grateful to do what he was told. Cole was planning on using the need for the drug to get some information from the Dark Key. For now though he had to check on his men.
(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane we hope you enjoy the thread.)
FRANK COLE
Cole had no problem staying busy for the three hours he had been away from his office. Trying to train the Spellman brothers was taking a lot more time than he had planned. The first place he headed was the training grounds to make an appearance and to take part in some of the training. Cole liked to be a hands-on leader. He got to know his men that way. Off in the distance he had seen Jack's group, which included Marco, doing some exercises and from the equipment around them, it looked like they might be headed to the extinct volcano for some mountain climbing.
Next he had headed for his home and made sure everything was going smoothly there. A work detail, those thought to be slackers were working in the yard. The elves took care of the inside of the house. It was safer not to invite the troops into his own private world. He had taken a shower, changed and then headed to the barracks. Around 10:30 am., on the mornings he could, he held an impromptu meeting with the general troop membership. He had always tried to make time so anyone with a private problem could talk with him also. This morning he had two men and one woman who needed a little one-on-one advice. All had ended on a good note.
Last, before returning to his office he stopped by the kitchens and grabbed a sandwich, it was going to be a long afternoon and he was not sure when he would be able to have a meal brought into his office. The Dark Key was still there and Cole had not decided how he was going to proceed.
As he walked into his office, he looked at his watch…11:50 am. He opened the door and without looking at Neo's body still on the wall, he made his way to his desk and made himself comfortable. Leaning back in the chair, he swiveled it, so he was looking at the man withering on the wall.
The Dark Key had been repeating what he had pleaded to Fixer like a broken record but the elf seemed to be deaf. When he heard the door he tried once more with Fixer pleading, "You don't understand, I can't fail him... Please you don't know what it is like to be bound to a life that you were given no choice in. Please I can't anger him or I may never be given my heart's desire? All he wants is for Neo to honor his vow of loyalty. He chose that life, I did not. My parents chose it for me but sending me to The High Priest of Thoth's temple. I was innocent but did the Pharaoh care, no I was punished along with the others... stripped from my body. Please this is the last task I must do to gain my freedom?" This time he added, "I don't care if he escapes them again after I am freed, Sir."
Cole shook his head. "At the moment, I do not care what they might do to you. I would think your main concern would be what I might do to you." Cole reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a filled syringe. Placing it on his desk, in full view of the Dark Key he said, "I need Neo. I need everyone, including your boss to believe he is under my control. The way that is going to happen is for Neo to do everything I ask him to do and to act like he is part of my army. When I release him, what he does in his spare time will be up to him." Cole was not planning on giving Neo any spare time, but that was not something this think had to know. Cole picked up the syringe and twirled it in his fingers a couple of times, never taking his eyes off of the Dark Key. Putting it back on his desk, he steepled his fingers over his chest and waited.
The Dark Key watched as the shot became visible. He really needed the shot but his eternity depended on pleasing The Cloaked Man. He shook his head as he once again pleaded with this military man, "Don't you understand? I fail you, it is just some major pain but it will be gone after a time. I fail him and he will make this feel mild compared to what I will suffer for eternity. Even if I was to side with you, It would mean nothing....Don't you see, Neo can't run forever? Soon, they will force him back..." The Key knew if he failed both Neo and he would pay. The Cloaked Man already had other plans in motions that would insure Neo's return. Plans that would not fail and Neo would never leave again.
Cole tapped his fingers together. He was picking up some of the thoughts the Dark Key was not saying. "Neo is not going to have to run forever. When Neo is part of my small force, I will be happy to invite the Cloaked Man, here for a talk and we will be able to discuss Neo's future. For now though…" Cole nodded toward Punta, who raised his hand and with no words, forced every muscle in Neo's body to contract, release, contract and release. "Your eternity belongs to me Dark Key. I can deliver pain or pleasure…. I can put you on the wall where Neo is forever . The only reason you are out is because I believe it will be beneficial to me to have you studying the men and women in my troops. You need to make a decision … live in my world or take a very long time to become non-existant on the wall you created."
Dark Key cringed as he said, "I did not create it. It was already there, I just do as instructed. Please understand...that is a real place he told me to place Neo..." He wondered if it was a place that held wolves as it felt bad. He hurt but shook his head as he feared those in the castle more.
Hiding his grin behind his fingers, Cole was getting confirmation to what he had already reasoned out. The group of men and maybe women, who wore the cloaks were stationed in a castle. Wolves would refer to the abilities of some of those people to turn into werewolves. Franco had already referenced this place. Cole knew where the castle was, but he also knew it would take more than the expertise of any of his Specialist to be able to get in and out alive. "You are not taking Neo's body anywhere. I hold it and I will continue to hold it. I have put Neo on his honor to stay for four months. After that, I have made no promises which I intend to not reconsider." Cole got up from his seat and walked closer to the Dark Key, "Now you have not answered my question. Do you want to go to the wall where Neo is now hanging for an undetermined amount of time OR do you want to go back into the trainee program and show me you can control the body, making it strong and giving me some information on my troops. Decide."
The Dark Key's eyes teared-up as he sadly shook his head saying, "To allow Neo to get stronger is to go against them. Please don't ask me to do that. Yes, I need the shot but to go against them is suicide..." He started to panic as he pleaded, "Please understand, I have nothing truly against Neo but I can't stand against them. They won't stop and plan to...." He stopped because he came close to reveal something that he shouldn't. The withdraws were worse than he had thought they would be.
Cole smiled. He walked back to his desk and picked up the syringe. Walking back to the Dark Key he tested the syringe and held the point very close to the Neo's skin. "They won't stop and plan to…. Continue please or go back on the wall without this shot."
Dark Key cringed, as he pleaded, "Please don't ask me to go against them. You don't know how bad they can get...I can't... .It will be worse for him if they..." The pain hit almost instantly. He pleaded, "Please...I did not betray you...I would never tell of your plans concern the wolf...No Master please..." He knew the Cloak Man had heard what he almost revealed and as a result he had been in cased in the darkness. Now as he pleaded with the Cloaked Man, the Dark Key wished he had just kept quiet as wolf's god-daughter was not his concerned.
As his eyes shot to Punta, Cole non-verbally asked the elf if he was causing the thoughts the Dark Key was having. Cole was positive the Cloak people could not get to Neo's mind here on the island. The elves had taken care of that. Receiving a nod and a small smile for the elf, Cole kept his own face blank. "I can block to Cloak man from reaching you, Dark Key, but you are going to have to give me a reason too."
This man had already gotten him in trouble but the true self told him to consider what Fixer was offering. The Dark Key shook as he said, "But even if you could, it would only be here. Once Neo's body was off the island they would just put the other plan in action and I would lose any chance at being free of them. I know things that I had no right to tell you. Please just don't go against them and they won't send for her. They only want Neo, your men are safe as long as you stay out of their way...Please they care nothing for your feud...Leave it alone..."
Cole sat on the edge of his desk. If he worked it right the Dark Key would give him information by trying desperately not to give him information, he just had to ask the right questions to get the right thoughts. Talking to Punta, through his thoughts, he said, "Make him think the Cloaked man thinks he has already given vital information, and try and keep it up. Cole received a smile and said aloud, "But you have already told me much, Dark Key. Why not just tell me more and I will give you your shot."
The Dark Key cringed as he thought of everything he had said while in pain and could think of nothing that would betray those who held his fate in their hands, except...as the pain came he pleaded, "Please Master, I never meant to ... I put him where you instructed. Don't send for her again, Please.... he will come...I won't tell . You promised my freedom in exchange for him... he don't remember her... please I can..."
Cole knew the withdrawal was extremely bad at the moment. The Dark Key would barely be able to form thoughts, so he tried, "Tell me Dark Key…. what does the Cloak man, not want you to tell me… ? I can make the pain go away and he can't touch you. Tell me what I need to know."
Dark Key shook his head as he said as the pain got extreme about the other score that needed settled, " the wolf...they want him and will either use Neo or the wolf's god-daughter."
Cole thought for a moment, watching the Dark Key trying to get Neo's body under control and loose the shakes. The Wolf could be several people, but with the line of information coming in, Cole would be willing to bet it was Gabriel Lupin, who was considered one of the good guys by most of the outside world. If they had Neo and Gab, they would have control of almost that whole family. The god-daughter had to be little Rosa, a sweet young girl, who would not hurt a fly, but would someday hold the power of the Phoenix. "Where are you supposed to deliver the wolf and Neo to, Dark Key and how are you supposed to make sure they do not leave?" Cole held up the needle and squirted a little out the end.
The Dark Key cringed as he said, "I won't have to bring him, just Neo. The wolf will come." He wanted it to be because of Neo as it made him sick that they cared little about the girl being a child. He knew that those he had to obey would leave little to change as the one known as Matthew wanted the girl for other reason including as leverage where her father was concerned." Neo's body slumped.
Cole looked at Punta and got the signal the man's endurance was gone. Walking up to Neo's body Cole said, "I will require you to keep Neo's body in good condition. You will also not try and get it punished, or you will be the only one, Dark Key, who will feel the punishment. When the four months is over, I will see what I can do on helping you complete your mission. If I let you take him now, then I will loose what leverage I have over his brothers Marco and Franco. Now here…" Cole shot the drug into Neo's system and watched as it took effect. Energy started to flow back into Neo's body and his head came up, eyes starting to clear. Cole signalled Punta and Tarka to take the man down. "Return to your training unit, Dark Key. Bring me some information and you will be rewarded. Mess up and you will be on the wall instead of Neo. This is your only warning."
As the Dark Key left, he whispered, "Rosa, she is a child. it is them that make her cry." With that he left and just hoped that he could hide what he had just done. Neo was one thing but that sweet child harmed no one.
Cole slowly went and sat behind his desk. Leaning back in his chair he thought about everything which had just taken place. He was now certain that the MacIntosh Family were the one's wearing the Cloaks. When he finally got Marco into a mind-dive at the end of the week, he would see if he could pinpoint that even farther. He had dealing with the family in the past. They had killed his wife and unborn son. They were too powerful to go up against even with the small army he had at the moment. It would take a concerted effort of many wizards. They were also trying to draw Gabriel Lupin into their group, which would draw a few of his loved ones. Apparently Matthew, one of the brothers recognized Rosa's potential and want to put his own cap on that. Rosa would eventually have the power of the Phoenix, which was very rare and very powerful.
Cole got up and headed to the gym. He needed to think and the easiest way was to work off some steam with a good workout. Looking at his watch he realized it was almost two in the afternoon. With any luck a group would be doing some sparing practice. That would fit the bill.
(This thread is happening the same time as Marco Re-learns the Future: The Beginning (Isle of Perdition))
CLOSED
(OCC: Continuation of Isle of Perdition, , Neo's Stay on the Isle of Perdition: The Beginning )
(This thread is happening the same time as Marco Re-learns the Future: The Beginning (Isle of Perdition))
FRANK COLE
Nodding Cole said to Neo, "Attention, trainee." When Neo slowly stood at attention looking back and forth between himself and Marco, Cole continued. "You will be taken to the training grounds where there is a nice, if not comfortable, room where you will be guarded. You may sometime in the future earn the privilege of sleeping with your team. Your meal will be brought to you there. Since you are not on guard duty tonight, lights out will be at 9:00 pm, which is…" Cole looked at his watch, "… about an hour and a half from now. Wakeup call is at 6:00 am and at that time, you will eat with your team, who are stationed in tents not far from the training grounds. When you have finished with your day tomorrow, your brother will decide whatever comforts, including your medicine you might receive. Now you are dismissed." Cole waved toward the door. Tarka stepped forward to follow Neo out the door.
The Dark Key walked slowly looking over his shoulder a couple of times to see how close the elf was following. He shook his head as he realized the elf was not going to let him more than a few steps out of his reach. The elves were also the only ones on the island who could do magic, so even if he got a good head start he knew he was not going to get far. As he got into the jeep to be taken to the training grounds, he started to think of what was going to be needed for the next day. It galled him to think he was going to have to make friends with the weaklings in the man's small army. At least he was going to be able to gather information for his maker that should get him some time to use this body for some real fun
Cole had risen at 5:00 am so he could be in his office before Neo was woken at 6:00 am to begin his first day as a member of Cole's forces. As he turned on the monitor, Neo was being led out of the Training Areas building toward a group of tents on the other side of the obstacle course. Within the group of five two man tents, fires had been restoked and the smell of bacon, sausage and eggs floated on the air. As Neo approached, he prepared to sit on one of the logs and get served breakfast. Cole chuckled as the men were formed up and each was handed an energy bar and a bottle of water. He listened as Saunders said, "Each of you will start your day with the energy bar and the water. After you have finished them, you will run the obstacle course two times, take a shower over there," Saunders pointed to a tent which held cold water showers, "then you can report back here for a proper breakfast. Ladies and gentlemen do not throw away your energy bars, they must be eaten and your water drank before you can run the course. Now comply."
The Dark Key was furious that he had to take orders from a female but as he was craving his medicine, he said nothing. He downed the energy bar and water, as quickly as possible and then took off over the course. He was not the first to start, but he was in the second two. With the way Neo's body felt, he had confidence he would make it through the two times with no problem. He paid attention to the next obstacle while watching in front of and behind where he was, to see how close others were.
Obstacle Course: There is a double course so two people can run side by side. Starts with a set of five hurdles of various heights; after that is the double rope swing, where you have to use the first rope to get to the second and then to the other side of a ditch then under a bobwired crawl area 50 feet in lengh. After the ropes is an twelve-foot rock wall with hand holds scattered up to the top. On the other side of the wall is a rope ladder; then a group of ten hurdles also of various heights feeding directly into a rope bridge across a long gully. On the other side of the gully is a group of 15 hurdles of various heights.
Cole watched the screen as Neo made good progress in the course. Although he had run it before, Cole steepled his fingers when he realized there was not the same suptal grace as when Neo had been in charge. The Dark Key was more hesitant and was having dificulty with some of the more difficult parts. Cole looked away from the screen when Punta entered with his breakfast. As the elf put it on his desk, Cole said, "Tell Tarka to watch him closely for differences. I have already noted a few, and anything we learn now may help us in the future, when the Dark Key tries to trick us and make us think we are talking to Master Neo."
Punta smiled and nodded. "I will let him know immediately Master Frank. Artkee is with Neo in the dark place. I do not like seeing Master Neo's conscious in that place. I will be glad when we can join him back with his own body and bury the Dark Key somewhere in the back of Master Neo's brain. Master Neo is going to feel the pain of craving and the pain the Dark Key is going to put his body through, but Artkee has worked out ways to block some of the side effects of the drug you have put into his body. Is there anything else you require at the moment Master Frank? I need to supervise some of the happenings in the caves. One of the dragons is sick, and we have not figureed out why."
Cole shook his head, "No go. Let me know if we need to bring anything special onto the island for the dragon. Mistress Pippin at the school is an expert and I think I can arrange it for you to talk with her, but it will have to be off school grounds and even outside of Hogsmeade limits or Diagon Alley. I don't want anything connected with those I can get help from, and what we do here."
"Understood, Master Frank," Punta turned and left the room. Cole took off the cover to his breakfast and slowly ate while watching the screen. The Dark Key had Neo's body just about through the second run.
The Dark Key had not said a word to any of the other people in his Training team. When one of the men had faltered not far from him, Neo had shown concern at frist, as if his instincts had said to help the man, but the concern was wiped away quickly and the Dark Key led the body to the showers. There he took a quick shower, dressed in the clean fatigues set out for each of the troops and headed to get breakfast.
He was about to serve himself when the Sergeant walked up and said, "Attention, Trainee Spellman." When the Dark key grudgingly came to attention, Saunders continued, "You will eat when all of your fellow trainees have shown up. This is a group, Trainee Spellman and thus will eat, drink, rest and learn as a group. Am I understood?" By this time, Saunders had stepped well within Neo's personal space.
At first the Dark Key did not answer, but thought for a second the look of defiance he had given the Sergeant was going to get him in trouble. When he was not told anything else, just stared at, he whispered, "Yes Ma'me." But that was not going to be good enough he soon found out.
Saunders took a half of step closer and said, "I am afraid I did not hear your reply clearing, Trainee Spellman. Would you like to try again?"
The Dark Key clinched the bodies teeth and said in a louder voice. "Yes. Ma'me."
By this time all of the others had joined, them and all stood at attention around the Dark Key. He could hear several snickers that he knew the Sergeant had heard but apparently was not going to recognize. The Dark Key, flecked and unflecked his hands then forced them to stay open. Cole had told him to make friends, and he had to admit it would be the fasted way to find out information about the men around him and even the island. "I wish to apologize ma'me for the way I am acted."
Saunders looked at him with a questioning look, but nodded and said, "Very good, Trainee Spellman. You and your team may now eat."
Cole chuckled as he saw and heard Saunders put the Dark Key into his place. He knew she would become part of the Dark Key's problem people report list. Cole knew he could trust the woman with his life so it was going to be interesting on whom else the Dark Key added to that list. The Dark Key did appear to take into consideration the snickers he had gotten, and Cole had to admit, the thing could think on his feet. Gradually the Dark Key, had Neo's body helping others and getting into the general swing of things as far as conversation went.
After he finished his breakfast, The Dark Key went over to where the woman was and smiled as he thought how best to get the snickers to stop as well as get the body punished. He came up with an idea quickly. He acted as if he was going to help her by taking her plate when she was done but instead grabbed her bag and took off for the woods. He was still smiling as he had every intention of them finding him. Once they did he would release the true self just long enough to feel the pain of punishment and then return him to the wall.
Cole quickly divided the screen into four views, so he could keep track of where the Dark key was running. Saunders looked into the camera lense, so he signaled her to stay where she was. Closing his eyes, he called Punta back into the room, and sent a message to Tarka, to find Neo's
body and hold in restraints. Rubbing his chin and sitting back in the chair, he tried to figure out what the Dark Key was doing. The thing was not stupid, so he would realize he could not get off the island. He knew he would be captured and punished. Since he would also know, Neo would feel the punishment somewhat; he wanted to cause pain and partial destruction to Neo's body.
Punta walked in and Cole pointed to the screen. "Do not allow the Dark Key to switch places with Neo on the wall, because I think he might be considering it. Tell Artkee to block what he can as far as the pain the Dark Key is going to feel as punishment." As they both looked at the wall the Dark Key had tripped and Tarka was standing about four feet away from him, slowly raising his arm. The Dark Key froze, then fell face first into the dirt. "Punta, have him brought directly to my office and put on the wall, now."
The elf smiled and closed his eyes. Soon Neo's body appeared spread eagle in the chains on Cole's office wall, facing out. Cole just swiveled his chair around and stared at the man, waiting for him to make the first move.
(OOC: Opening quote from CLOSED - Elsewhere, Neo's Four Months in Perdition… The Obstacle course information can be found in Legacy Wiki, Places, Isle of Perdition. This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane, we hope you enjoy the thread.)
NEO SPELLMAN
The Dark Key seemed to be cringing but was in fact trying to switch places as he told the true Neo, "Have fun and remember this pain could have been avoided, Neo. All you had to do was stay loyal to our Master. You will go back you know...just like before. It is just a matter of time and how much you will force your family to suffer." Neo heard the Dark Key's words and cringed as he knew the thing planned on him being in pain very soon.
Neo tensed on the wall, trying to prepare himself for the pain he knew was coming. He had to hold on, because Cole had to be able to use the Dark Key for information. He just hoped he would be able to come out of this with his brain intact. Looking over in the corner of the dark cell he saw Artkee appear and the elf was smiling. As he walked closer, the elf held out his hand forcing Neo to fight the cringe of expecting the elf to cause some pain. The elf just walked up close to him and put his hand on Neo's chest, whispering, "It is alright Master Neo I am here. He will not be able to change with you. I will not be able to stop all the pain, but you will not feel most of it. Your body needs to stay partially connected to this you, so that we can stay in contact. Have courage Master Neo." Neo could only nod and tried to relax.
Cole watched as the Dark Key finally realized he could not switch bodies and thus he was going to feel the full brunt of any pain delivered. Pulling on the chains of his arms and trying to move his legs, the Dark Key said in an ever increasing panic filled voice, "No, you can't do this. Neo must feel the pain."
Chuckling, Cole got up out of his seat and walked around his desk, to sit on the edge of it, facing the struggling Dark Key. "I told you that you would regret any action which did not benefit your training. Now the only thing I need to decide on is your punishment. I have several different ways I can go with this. I can beat on the body which I am not prone to do or I can just keep you there for a while, so you miss your next shot of drugs, which if I am not mistaken," Cole looked at his watch, "… should be given in about three hours." Cole chuckled and added, "This is a hard decision…. What do you think Dark Key? Care to give some input here."
The Dark Key cringed but of the two options given only one served his purpose. He said hoping that by offering to give up the shot would in fact insure that Neo's body got the beating instead, "I will miss my shot, Sir. It was just a prank sir as I was hoping the other men would follow me and we could get some extra training in. I was bored Sir and meant no harm."
"Agreed," Cole said. The worst of the symptoms could be held off Neo by Artkee and the body would not be marked up. Cole sat back down at his desk and picked up some paper, pretending to look through them. Punta had gone to stand near the Dark Key, and was smiling. Cole was wondering what the elf was picking up. He did not have long to wait though.
The Dark Key outwardly smiled but inwardly he was terrified. He was about to suffer and was unsure if it would be enough to drive home the Cloaked Man's message to Neo. If Neo did not return, then what would the Cloaked Man do to him was all the Dark Key could think about. The Key knew it could mean his destruction or worse to be trapped without experiencing all that having a body had to offer. "I am a spirit after all, aren't I? If I do not complete my task then the Cloaked Man might find me unworthy of a body of my own. Then I will lose everything as the Cloaked Man said that the Dark One would give me a body of my choosing. I want the body of the one called Franco or even the boy Brennan would do. But he won't request it from the Dark One if I anger him instead I will be punished...No Neo must return as I won't be...."
Even though Cole pretended to keep checking the papers on his desk, his mind listened to the Dark Key. It was interesting that th Dark One had actually convince the Dark Key, that he was the spirit of a man who had died along time ago, and was going to be given a new body of his choosing when he completed the task of getting Neo back into the Cloak Men's circle. Cole wondered how long he could keep the Dark Key from knowing, eventually he would just be absorbed into Neo's body as if he had just been a bad dream. The Dark Key was just an embodiment of Neo's fears, dark thoughts, and his inner bully which he had gotten control of when he had gotten off the original drugs.
Cole stood up. Standing in front of the Dark Key he said, "I am going to leave for about three hours. I figure you are already starting to feel the effects of withdrawal from the drug. Maybe when you find out what the full effect of the withdrawal is from my brand of drugs, you and I can come to a better understanding." Taking his hand and lightly slapping the Dark Key's check, he added, "Enjoy, Dark Key. We will talk soon when you realize I choose how your life is going to go for the next four months." Cole chuckled and stepped back. Motioning Tarka over he said, "Let me know if he has begged enough for another shot. I will be at the training grounds checking the new recruits training." Receiving a nod from Tarka, Cole motioned Punta to follow him.
The Dark Key was in pain but it was nothing compared to what would happen if he failed the Cloaked Man. He pleaded with the one known as Fixer, "You don't understand, I can't fail him... Please you don't know what it is like to be bound to a life that you were given no choice in. Please I can't anger him or I may never be given my heart's desire? All he wants is for Neo to honor his vow of loyalty. He chose that life, I did not. My parents chose it for me but sending me to The High Priest of Thoth's temple. I was innocent but did the Pharaoh care, no I was punished along with the others... stripped from my body. Please this is the last task I must do to gain my freedom?" The pain was unbearable but the Dark Key had no choice but to endure the pain.
Cole continued out the door with Punta right behind him. He shook his head at the idea's the Cloak man had put into the things mind. In about two hours the Dark Key would be begging Cole to make the pain stop. At that point then Cole would be able to call the shots and the thing would be grateful to do what he was told. Cole was planning on using the need for the drug to get some information from the Dark Key. For now though he had to check on his men.
(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane we hope you enjoy the thread.)
FRANK COLE
Cole had no problem staying busy for the three hours he had been away from his office. Trying to train the Spellman brothers was taking a lot more time than he had planned. The first place he headed was the training grounds to make an appearance and to take part in some of the training. Cole liked to be a hands-on leader. He got to know his men that way. Off in the distance he had seen Jack's group, which included Marco, doing some exercises and from the equipment around them, it looked like they might be headed to the extinct volcano for some mountain climbing.
Next he had headed for his home and made sure everything was going smoothly there. A work detail, those thought to be slackers were working in the yard. The elves took care of the inside of the house. It was safer not to invite the troops into his own private world. He had taken a shower, changed and then headed to the barracks. Around 10:30 am., on the mornings he could, he held an impromptu meeting with the general troop membership. He had always tried to make time so anyone with a private problem could talk with him also. This morning he had two men and one woman who needed a little one-on-one advice. All had ended on a good note.
Last, before returning to his office he stopped by the kitchens and grabbed a sandwich, it was going to be a long afternoon and he was not sure when he would be able to have a meal brought into his office. The Dark Key was still there and Cole had not decided how he was going to proceed.
As he walked into his office, he looked at his watch…11:50 am. He opened the door and without looking at Neo's body still on the wall, he made his way to his desk and made himself comfortable. Leaning back in the chair, he swiveled it, so he was looking at the man withering on the wall.
The Dark Key had been repeating what he had pleaded to Fixer like a broken record but the elf seemed to be deaf. When he heard the door he tried once more with Fixer pleading, "You don't understand, I can't fail him... Please you don't know what it is like to be bound to a life that you were given no choice in. Please I can't anger him or I may never be given my heart's desire? All he wants is for Neo to honor his vow of loyalty. He chose that life, I did not. My parents chose it for me but sending me to The High Priest of Thoth's temple. I was innocent but did the Pharaoh care, no I was punished along with the others... stripped from my body. Please this is the last task I must do to gain my freedom?" This time he added, "I don't care if he escapes them again after I am freed, Sir."
Cole shook his head. "At the moment, I do not care what they might do to you. I would think your main concern would be what I might do to you." Cole reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a filled syringe. Placing it on his desk, in full view of the Dark Key he said, "I need Neo. I need everyone, including your boss to believe he is under my control. The way that is going to happen is for Neo to do everything I ask him to do and to act like he is part of my army. When I release him, what he does in his spare time will be up to him." Cole was not planning on giving Neo any spare time, but that was not something this think had to know. Cole picked up the syringe and twirled it in his fingers a couple of times, never taking his eyes off of the Dark Key. Putting it back on his desk, he steepled his fingers over his chest and waited.
The Dark Key watched as the shot became visible. He really needed the shot but his eternity depended on pleasing The Cloaked Man. He shook his head as he once again pleaded with this military man, "Don't you understand? I fail you, it is just some major pain but it will be gone after a time. I fail him and he will make this feel mild compared to what I will suffer for eternity. Even if I was to side with you, It would mean nothing....Don't you see, Neo can't run forever? Soon, they will force him back..." The Key knew if he failed both Neo and he would pay. The Cloaked Man already had other plans in motions that would insure Neo's return. Plans that would not fail and Neo would never leave again.
Cole tapped his fingers together. He was picking up some of the thoughts the Dark Key was not saying. "Neo is not going to have to run forever. When Neo is part of my small force, I will be happy to invite the Cloaked Man, here for a talk and we will be able to discuss Neo's future. For now though…" Cole nodded toward Punta, who raised his hand and with no words, forced every muscle in Neo's body to contract, release, contract and release. "Your eternity belongs to me Dark Key. I can deliver pain or pleasure…. I can put you on the wall where Neo is forever . The only reason you are out is because I believe it will be beneficial to me to have you studying the men and women in my troops. You need to make a decision … live in my world or take a very long time to become non-existant on the wall you created."
Dark Key cringed as he said, "I did not create it. It was already there, I just do as instructed. Please understand...that is a real place he told me to place Neo..." He wondered if it was a place that held wolves as it felt bad. He hurt but shook his head as he feared those in the castle more.
Hiding his grin behind his fingers, Cole was getting confirmation to what he had already reasoned out. The group of men and maybe women, who wore the cloaks were stationed in a castle. Wolves would refer to the abilities of some of those people to turn into werewolves. Franco had already referenced this place. Cole knew where the castle was, but he also knew it would take more than the expertise of any of his Specialist to be able to get in and out alive. "You are not taking Neo's body anywhere. I hold it and I will continue to hold it. I have put Neo on his honor to stay for four months. After that, I have made no promises which I intend to not reconsider." Cole got up from his seat and walked closer to the Dark Key, "Now you have not answered my question. Do you want to go to the wall where Neo is now hanging for an undetermined amount of time OR do you want to go back into the trainee program and show me you can control the body, making it strong and giving me some information on my troops. Decide."
The Dark Key's eyes teared-up as he sadly shook his head saying, "To allow Neo to get stronger is to go against them. Please don't ask me to do that. Yes, I need the shot but to go against them is suicide..." He started to panic as he pleaded, "Please understand, I have nothing truly against Neo but I can't stand against them. They won't stop and plan to...." He stopped because he came close to reveal something that he shouldn't. The withdraws were worse than he had thought they would be.
Cole smiled. He walked back to his desk and picked up the syringe. Walking back to the Dark Key he tested the syringe and held the point very close to the Neo's skin. "They won't stop and plan to…. Continue please or go back on the wall without this shot."
Dark Key cringed, as he pleaded, "Please don't ask me to go against them. You don't know how bad they can get...I can't... .It will be worse for him if they..." The pain hit almost instantly. He pleaded, "Please...I did not betray you...I would never tell of your plans concern the wolf...No Master please..." He knew the Cloak Man had heard what he almost revealed and as a result he had been in cased in the darkness. Now as he pleaded with the Cloaked Man, the Dark Key wished he had just kept quiet as wolf's god-daughter was not his concerned.
As his eyes shot to Punta, Cole non-verbally asked the elf if he was causing the thoughts the Dark Key was having. Cole was positive the Cloak people could not get to Neo's mind here on the island. The elves had taken care of that. Receiving a nod and a small smile for the elf, Cole kept his own face blank. "I can block to Cloak man from reaching you, Dark Key, but you are going to have to give me a reason too."
This man had already gotten him in trouble but the true self told him to consider what Fixer was offering. The Dark Key shook as he said, "But even if you could, it would only be here. Once Neo's body was off the island they would just put the other plan in action and I would lose any chance at being free of them. I know things that I had no right to tell you. Please just don't go against them and they won't send for her. They only want Neo, your men are safe as long as you stay out of their way...Please they care nothing for your feud...Leave it alone..."
Cole sat on the edge of his desk. If he worked it right the Dark Key would give him information by trying desperately not to give him information, he just had to ask the right questions to get the right thoughts. Talking to Punta, through his thoughts, he said, "Make him think the Cloaked man thinks he has already given vital information, and try and keep it up. Cole received a smile and said aloud, "But you have already told me much, Dark Key. Why not just tell me more and I will give you your shot."
The Dark Key cringed as he thought of everything he had said while in pain and could think of nothing that would betray those who held his fate in their hands, except...as the pain came he pleaded, "Please Master, I never meant to ... I put him where you instructed. Don't send for her again, Please.... he will come...I won't tell . You promised my freedom in exchange for him... he don't remember her... please I can..."
Cole knew the withdrawal was extremely bad at the moment. The Dark Key would barely be able to form thoughts, so he tried, "Tell me Dark Key…. what does the Cloak man, not want you to tell me… ? I can make the pain go away and he can't touch you. Tell me what I need to know."
Dark Key shook his head as he said as the pain got extreme about the other score that needed settled, " the wolf...they want him and will either use Neo or the wolf's god-daughter."
Cole thought for a moment, watching the Dark Key trying to get Neo's body under control and loose the shakes. The Wolf could be several people, but with the line of information coming in, Cole would be willing to bet it was Gabriel Lupin, who was considered one of the good guys by most of the outside world. If they had Neo and Gab, they would have control of almost that whole family. The god-daughter had to be little Rosa, a sweet young girl, who would not hurt a fly, but would someday hold the power of the Phoenix. "Where are you supposed to deliver the wolf and Neo to, Dark Key and how are you supposed to make sure they do not leave?" Cole held up the needle and squirted a little out the end.
The Dark Key cringed as he said, "I won't have to bring him, just Neo. The wolf will come." He wanted it to be because of Neo as it made him sick that they cared little about the girl being a child. He knew that those he had to obey would leave little to change as the one known as Matthew wanted the girl for other reason including as leverage where her father was concerned." Neo's body slumped.
Cole looked at Punta and got the signal the man's endurance was gone. Walking up to Neo's body Cole said, "I will require you to keep Neo's body in good condition. You will also not try and get it punished, or you will be the only one, Dark Key, who will feel the punishment. When the four months is over, I will see what I can do on helping you complete your mission. If I let you take him now, then I will loose what leverage I have over his brothers Marco and Franco. Now here…" Cole shot the drug into Neo's system and watched as it took effect. Energy started to flow back into Neo's body and his head came up, eyes starting to clear. Cole signalled Punta and Tarka to take the man down. "Return to your training unit, Dark Key. Bring me some information and you will be rewarded. Mess up and you will be on the wall instead of Neo. This is your only warning."
As the Dark Key left, he whispered, "Rosa, she is a child. it is them that make her cry." With that he left and just hoped that he could hide what he had just done. Neo was one thing but that sweet child harmed no one.
Cole slowly went and sat behind his desk. Leaning back in his chair he thought about everything which had just taken place. He was now certain that the MacIntosh Family were the one's wearing the Cloaks. When he finally got Marco into a mind-dive at the end of the week, he would see if he could pinpoint that even farther. He had dealing with the family in the past. They had killed his wife and unborn son. They were too powerful to go up against even with the small army he had at the moment. It would take a concerted effort of many wizards. They were also trying to draw Gabriel Lupin into their group, which would draw a few of his loved ones. Apparently Matthew, one of the brothers recognized Rosa's potential and want to put his own cap on that. Rosa would eventually have the power of the Phoenix, which was very rare and very powerful.
Cole got up and headed to the gym. He needed to think and the easiest way was to work off some steam with a good workout. Looking at his watch he realized it was almost two in the afternoon. With any luck a group would be doing some sparing practice. That would fit the bill.
(This thread is happening the same time as Marco Re-learns the Future: The Beginning (Isle of Perdition))
CLOSED