Post by Admin on Aug 8, 2020 23:01:53 GMT
Sasha and Tarik Learn the Future (Diagon & Knockturn Alley, Shadow Lounge)
(OOC: Continuation of Diagon & Knockturn Alley’s, Shadow Lounge, Taking The Trouble outside)
TARIK SADAKI
Tom left to bring the Magi into the meeting. Cole turned, placing his hands on his hips he said, "Sit back down Sasha. You are feeling like you are because Marcus shot you with a drug which allowed you to see clearly without preconceptions of how you are supposed to feel creeping in. At the moment we are going to talk to your husband about what has happened. I have chosen to let you stay, but..." Cole walked over to her and got in her space, "that can be changed very easily. Now either sit back down, or I will have you delivered back to Hogwarts." Tarik was due to walk through the door any moment. Cole didn't mind Tarik seeing Sasha in the room. He had promised the Magi he would protect his wife and he had done that. Tarik's blood magic would be kept under control by the elves so he wasn't worried about that. He just hoped the man would give him enough time to explain what Cole knew he had felt through his empathy abilities before he started to fight. Cole silently told Punta, Artkee and Tarka to stand back but be ready to assist.
Sasha shook her head as she said, "I don't care what Marcus gave me. You are not getting what you want from my husband Tarik! Not now, Not ever! Now send all three of us home!" She was scared cause a deal like this is how Daniel almost got the translation. Her husband had never agreed that he would exchange the Runes Translation for protection for Tia but that is what Daniel believed. Her mind showed her Daniel's anger when Tarik refused. She remembered the vision that had sent her to confront Daniel at St. Mungo's.
(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane. We hope you are enjoying the thread.)
SASHA
Sasha shook her head as she said, "It has given my husband enough pain. Leave Tarik alone and unless you want to learn firsthand why the Magi call me Raven, Leave my family out of yours and Khalid's revenge! I have insured Tarik never learns the whereabouts of his elder brother so leave him be or I will destroy your father-in-law myself!"
Cole was about to tell Sasha to sit down again when the door opened and Tarik entered followed by Tom and two other specialist. Tarik's robes were rumbled as if he had been fighting, but there were no marks on his face or on any of the others. Cole moved around Sasha and walked to where Tarik stood, looking back and forth between him and his wife. Bowing slightly Cole said, "Welcome Tarik. Please have a seat at the table." Cole looked at Tom and signaled that he wanted to know why Tarik had been able to keep his robes. His lieutenant just shrugged. The two specialist had not taken their eyes off the Magi. Both of them stood with their fists balled, ready to swing. "Gentlemen," Cole said in their direction, "You are dismissed." The two troopers looked one more time at Tarik, went to attention, snapped salutes and walked out. "That's better. Tom you can stay but stand down, please."
"Yes Captain, as you order." Tom took one step back toward the door, but he was still on point if needed.
Cole looked back to Tarik, who had not moved. "I have asked that you please be seated Magi. Your wife has requested to stay. She was given the option of leaving but has instead decided it would be better if she was here." Turning slightly toward the three elves, Cole added, "The elves behind you are Tocoferty Punta, Tocoferty Artkee and Tocoferty Tarka. They have all had special training by Tocoferty Darik." Cole hoped if he used the elves titles, Tocoferty meaning Son of Person Who Gives Life or Prince in the Muggle language, he would show Tarik, he had not changed since the last time they had talked at Tia and Landon's wedding on the island. Cole again motioned toward the chairs.
Tarik shook his head as he motioned for Sasha to follow him saying,"I came for my wife, Mr. Cole and now that I have her we will be leaving." He turned to face Tom as he said, "Tom, you need to teach those other two that when I say nobody touches a Magi's robes, they really need to listen. I will kill them next time they try to remove my robes." Tarik watched as Sasha stood beside him. He was puzzled as his wife was still worried though her mind was finally clear.
He asked, "Sasha what is wrong? We are headed home."
Sasha smiled as she held Tarik's hand. She shook her head as she answered, "Neo! We can't leave him here. Also Fixer is up to something." She visions were showing her that Fixer was not intending them leaving yet.
Tarik smiled as he looked at Tom saying, "Where is he?"
(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane. We hope you are enjoying the thread.)
COLE
Cole didn't answer Tarik. Slowly he went and sat in one of the four chairs around the table. He leaned back in the chair, placed his elbows on the arms and steepled his finger in front of his face. Resting his lips on the tips of the fingers he studied them for a moment. He dropped his fingers on his chest and smiled. After a moment he motioned toward the other chairs. "Please be seated Magi. You and your wife are not going anywhere until we talk. Neo is sleeping comfortably in another room. He will most likely be allowed to leave with you, if he wishes but at the moment he is of no concern. Now please be seated or I am afraid I must ask the elves to assist you." Cole didn't want to forcibly make Tarik and Sasha sit. He knew the elves would remove Tarik's robes before they would force them into a chair. He needed Tarik to understand what Marcus was planning or at least try and plan. Sasha would never tell him all of it, because she was afraid of having her husband hurt, and mistakenly thought if she kept Marcus' intent from Tarik, he would not go after the man. Of, course Cole didn't want him going after Marcus either, but he needed the Magi to take what was happening seriously.
Tarik shook his head as he said as he relaxed, "no concern Mr. Cole! I think not. Neo is a concern for my wife which means he is leaving with me and Sasha now! We have nothing to discuss as I know exactly what Marcus Linthux and you tried in regards to my beautiful Sasha."
He looked at the elves as he said bowing, "I respect you my friends but stay out of this and the robe stays on me." He reached into his robes and pulled his blades. He knew Fixer would recognize them from their first meeting at Hog's Head last term. He looked at Fixer daring him to try and stop him.
Tom smiled. Acting as if he was going to make his way to the table, he reached out and pinched Tarik's neck, hitting the one pressure point that would drop the man to the floor. He caught Tarik as he sank to the floor making sure the man's knives stayed clear of his own body. When Tarik was all the way down he stood and looked at the Captain for any clue on how to handle Sasha. The elves had already started to carefully remove the Magi's robes. They would lay him out on the bed until he was revived.
Sasha was furious at Tom and chose to teach the man not to blind slide her husband.
Cole smiled and pointed to Sasha, who had taken a very defensive stance, close to where the elves now had Tarik's robes off and folded. He was being carefully raised off the floor with the use of Elfin Magic and floated toward the Queen size bed. Cole was interested in how Tom would handle the situation. He knew Tom was having trouble with the idea of attacking and possibly hurting a woman he admired, and who he knew Cole would have a problem if he seriously hurt her. He also knew Sasha was well able to fight. When Tom pulled his knife out of his boot, Cole raised his eyebrows but quickly nodded his head. Tom was backed up to the edge of the bed and threatening to cut Tarik. Cole looked at Sasha.
Sasha sadly shook her head as Max's godson threatened her husband if she tried anything else. "Let him go or I drop your boss, Tom!", Sasha said knowing it was an empty threat. The fight in Sasha was gone as she watched helpless.
She turned to Fixer as if asking what he was planning for them. She was scared cause Tarik had openly threatened Fixer.
Tom shook his head. The woman had no weapons and the Captain had not moved from his chair so he was not worried about the threat from Sasha. The Captain was smiling. Tom mentally gave himself a high-five. He wouldn't step away from the now reclining Magi until Sasha sat back at the table but his mussels were more relaxed.
Cole nodded to Tom and smiled. The man had handled the situation with finesse. Later he would re-establish his rank to Lieutenant. It had been removed, not long about because he had put Tia into a dangerous situation, without thinking. "Sasha please have a seat and I will have the elves wake Tarik, but not until you are seated."
(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane. We hope you are enjoying the thread.)
SASHA
Sasha shook her head as she said, "I will stay with my husband and suffer his fate," She would protect Tarik even if she had to deal to save him.
"I will give Marcus the killer just don't..."
Cole pushed himself up and walked to where Sasha was sitting. He reached down and gently stood her on her feet. Her fight was gone. "Come Sasha, have a seat at the table and then we will get Tarik awake." He lead her to the table and pulled out a chair for her and made sure she was comfortable. She had not taken her eyes off the bed. Cole signaled Tom to step away from the bed and for the elves to wake the Magi. Standing over Sasha, in a threatening manner, to try and prevent Tarik from acting irrationally, Cole crossed his arms across his chest.
Sasha was scared as she was lead to the seat she sat in earlier. All she could do was pray that Khalid wanted his baby brother alive. She asked again, "What are you planning for my husband? I know he pulled his blades but please Fixer?"
(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane. We hope you are enjoying the thread.)
TARIK
Tarik was furious as he opened his eyes and grabbed the man he had known all the boys life. He noticed where Tom's eyes were so he released him. "Well Fixer, you Marcus' puppet now? Where is my robes and blades?" Tarik knew it was unlikely he would get either back. Narrowing his eyes he promised, "Hurt her and you will live only long enough to regret it! Now release her!" he said still not thinking clearly. The elves had been kind but there was still after effects of their magic.
Tarik stood and shakily made his way over to the table, staring first at Cole, daring him to do anything. Tarik reach for Sasha's hand and gently squeezed it as he said, "No Sasha you said Daniel brought about his own death and it was self defense. You will be marking a man. Marcus will destroy the man and his family. You saw it happen in your vision. Please sweetheart you don't ever have to comply with the likes of Linthux." Still holding his wife's hand he looked back up at Fixer. "What now?" The man had his wife and he would do anything to protect her. Fixer knew this. He had to protect Sasha. "Send her home and I will stay." Tarik tried not to plead, but for the love of his life he would.
Cole calmly returned to his seat and motioned to the chair between him and Sasha. He was purposely letting Tarik figure he was between them. As Tarik sat down, Cole began his explanation. "First Sasha is not going to give Marcus anything." He looked at Tarik. "I promised you I would try and keep your wife as safe as possible and that is why I set up the meeting between Marcus and Sasha here. He was determined to talk with her." Turning to Sasha, who's eyes were glued to Tarik, he continued. "Sasha, he was planning on kidnapping you anyway he could so he could talk with you, and none of you realized the pure evil intent of what he was planning. I am sure I have pulled his attention more in my direction." Cole held up his hand when Tarik was about to speak. "No, I am not saying you all need to let down your guard. The man is not as good at accomplishing what he wants as Daniel was, but he is egotistical and thinks he has power, and that fact alone makes him more dangerous." Cole raked his hands through his hair. "I will double my guard on the school and the children, but you know I still have to stay behind the scenes as much as possible. I am still hoping to get someone into his organization."
Cole looked up at Tom when the man took a quick step forward. "No Lieutenant you cannot go in. Marcus knows who you are, number one and two, I need you here. You do need to help me watch the men and see who might be good for the job. It will have to be a man, because Marcus does not trust women to be strong enough to do what he is going to want done. It also has to me someone young, because Marcus would consider them not very experienced and impressionable enough to be able to be turned. If you get someone you think might fit the bill, you have my permission to start training them. If you can get them to a point where you think they will work out, I will interview them and see what other training they need for the black ops job."
Tom saluted and said, "Yes Captain. I will start looking as soon as we are done." By the look on his face, Cole knew the man realized he was returned to Officer duty. Turning back to Tarik he said, "Magi, maybe it is time to bring your lovely wife up to speed on what is happening around her." Turning to Sasha he continued, "I am not the enemy Sasha, no matter what you think. I have been protecting the school for a very long time. Yes I do work in some ways for Khalid, and I cannot explain to you why at the moment, but know this, I will never purposely allow one of the children or even another innocent to be hurt. There is a much bigger picture going on and will continue indefinitely until all of the people are in place to take down the Clan and then the Dark Wizards. All you have to do is protect the school as much as you can." Cole stopped talking and waited to see if any of the information he had just given had sunk in.
Sasha shook her head as she said, "Tarik, Marcus either has or will have Ash. In my vision Ash was obeying a vampire. He ordered the vampire to turn her in front of her twin Luke. Her first meal will be Star if Luke does not do something Marcus wants done. My vision did not show what but it must have to do with the school or Tia cause Marcus loved the inner pain the choice caused Luke."
Tarik nodded as he said, "Sasha the drug Marcus gave you? You okay from it?" He knew Fixer was not done with him but asked anyways, "So my blades and robes or am I staying a while? And Sasha has seen why you are working with my brother, Fixer. She has not told me the vision but I do know she has decided to not to ever trust you or my brother. I have decided not to push the issue with her. Also you have somebody in the Seven already or did you forget one Khalid and two Chameleon?" Tarik looked deep into Sasha's eyes and knew she had seen a vision.
(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane. We hope you are enjoying the thread.)
COLE
Cole stood up and walked over to where Tom stood. He whispered in the man's ear. Receiving a nod he returned to his seat. Straddling the chair he folded his arms on the table and started, "I have decided to move this little party along. Tarik, you know in your heart why you are here. I need you to begin again on the scroll translations." Cole knew Sasha was going to protest but he was ready. Turning to her, not giving Tarik a chance to say anything yet, he said, "Sasha you have decided to stay on my island. I do need to talk with Tarik alone though so you will please follow Tom to one of the guest rooms. When Tarik and I come to an understanding you will be returned here, and we will inform you what will happen next." Cole stood and motioned toward the door. Tom stood buy the door waiting. Once he had Sasha in another room, he would carry out the rest of Cole's orders.
Sasha shook her head as she asked, "Please tell me you did not trade translating in exchange for protection for me?"
Tarik shook his head as he said, "No My love. I even told Fixer that I would not even discuss it because the Runes are no longer available. I had Darik destroy my copies and the Caretakers destroyed the dojo or Marcus would have known this island as I did. In fact I think I know exactly who Marcus is looking for."
Sasha inside shook cause her husband had made a connection she had prayed he never would. She turned towards Fixer as she pulled her special hair pin, saying, "We and Neo are leaving and I dare you to try to stop us. Now where is Cooler?"
Cole just shook his head and stuck one finger in the air. He pulled the finger down to his palm and waited. He watched Tom move skirting around Sasha with his hands held as if in surrender, her eyes following him around. He walked up to Tarik and pulled his knife, putting it under the man's chin. "Now Sasha you need to put that toy away or Tom will see how far he can push his knife into Tarik's skin before he finds blood. We are going to do this my way not yours."
Sasha inside shook cause her husband had made a connection she had prayed he never would. She turned towards Fixer as she pulled the special hair pin, saying from over her ear and held it out in front of her. She always tried to have a weapon which could be a surprise. The ornate Japanese hair ornaments worked well because most men would not consider them as a weapon. "We and Neo are leaving and I dare you to try to stop us. Now where is Cooler?"
Cole just shook his head and stuck one finger in the air. He pulled the finger down to his palm and waited. He watched Tom move skirting around Sasha with his hands held as if in surrender, her eyes following him around. He walked up to Tarik and pulled his knife, putting it under the man's chin. "Now Sasha you need to put that toy away or Tom will see how far he can push his knife into Tarik's skin before he finds blood. We are going to do this my way not yours."
Sasha shook her head saying, "Tom, release him as you know just who gave these to me as a wedding present. I will use them." Inside she wondered who would win this game of uncle. She wondered if her husband was as calm as he seemed.
Tarik watched Sasha marveling in how beautiful she looked when she was protective. He instinctively knew she might attack Fixer but never would she hurt Tom. He could disarm Tom but that would only make Fixer just choose a different way to convince Sasha to lay her babies down.
He knew Sasha was furious that Fixer was not taking her serious. He heard Sasha say, "Toys, I will show Toys!" She threw one of her pins straight at Fixer.
Tarik was scare for Sasha cause Fixer never let attacking him slide.Sasha had just openly attacked Fixer. He needed to think about how he could protect his strong-willed wife.
The hairpin stopped one inch from Fixer's forehead. He hadn't moved because he knew Punta, who was still in the room would keep him from getting hurt. Cole reached up and plucked the pin out of the air, turning it in his hand. "Nice throw, Sasha but it's not going to help." Cole held his hand in the air, fingers opened. Quickly he snapped his hand shut and Sasha became bolt upright stiff as a board, her arms at her side. She would have fallen if Punta had not caught her. The elf stuck out his hand and Sasha now lay flat in mid-air. Cole looked at Tarik and said one word, "also". Tarik soon found himself in one of the chairs magically fastened in around his chest and legs. Cole only shook his head as he walked toward Sasha who was staring at him with daggers in her eyes. "I told you Sasha you were going with Tom while I talk with Tarik. You are not going to be harmed but taken to one of the more comfortable guest rooms. Punta, will get you anything you desire from the kitchens or the library." Cole glanced at Tarik then back to Sasha, "Hopefully your husband and I can come to a quick understanding." Cole turned to Tom and said, "Take her to the green room and then carry out the rest of your orders."
"Yes Captain," Tom said adding a salute.
He turned to Punta and said, "You will stay with her until you are relieved. If anything is needed mentally get in touch with one of your brethren and have them bring it. She is not to be left alone."
"Yes Master Frank, I understand. Tarka is already on his way to the guest room now. He will meet us there and retrieve anything Mistress Sasha requests." The elf bowed slightly and placed his hand six inches above Sasha's chest. She started to float toward the door, which opened unassisted as they approached. They were followed by Tom who closed the door behind him. The lock fell into place. Cole looked over to the corner and found Kimtu sitting on an air-chair. The elf was getting sneaky, which only made Cole smile. When the elf had first arrived he was shy and would very rarely show any kind of initiative.
Cole watched Tarik, while he walked to a cabinet along the wall and retrieved a roll of fine leather from a shelf. He walked back to the table, straddled the chair and placed the roll in the center. Folding his arms on the table in front of him, he stared at Tarik.
Tarik was wanting to protect Sasha but to do so would give Fixer a bargaining chip. He watched as his soul mate was floated from the room. He knew all he had to do was agree to translate the runes only if Fixer would forget Sasha's attack. He inwardly knew if only it was that simple, he would in a heartbeat. He loved her and would do anything to protect her. He shook his head as he remembered what was at stake. He watched Fixer take a scroll from the cabinet and place it on the table. He asked fearing the answer, "Where is the Dalai Lama? The man is a man of peace Fixer? How could you just to give you a more direct answer? If so, then My answer is NO! I will never give you the translation you and Khalid seek!"
"The Dalai Lama has died. The search is still on for the next one. Before passing he said he would come back as a very young child. The scroll was passed to a trusted friend of his and then passed to me for safe keeping. While I have it you are going to translate it. This is not a request Medjai, this is an order." Cole didn't want to have to use the persuasive measures he had come up with, but he would if he needed to. Both people involved in the persuasion were on the island. Hopefully he would be able to send both of them back home.
(OOC: For more information on how Cole received the scroll see: Archived 2011, Path to Destruction.)
(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane. We hope you are enjoying the thread.)
TARIK
Tarik sadly shook his head as he said, "I never had the honor of a personal invite. The medallion where is it? He held one of the special medallions for safe keeping! If you have it, I want it now! I know it bearer and will give it to..." He stopped as he still needed to protect the Tibetan princess. He smiled as he shook his head saying, "As for translating the Tibetan scroll, No!" He needed to know who of the Tibetan princess royal guard would be so foolish as to hand the scroll to anybody except her. Tarik inwardly wondered if the royal guards were still having trouble locating the baby that was hidden in China by the Dalai Lama. Tarik realized he needed to get Darik to locate this guard and set a meeting between him and Tarik.
Cole pointed to the monitor at the end of the room. It showed Sasha alternately pacing and sitting on the bed and in one of the four chairs. "Let me see if I can change your mind." Cole turned to Kimtu and nodded. The elf closed his eyes. Sasha went board straight where she stood. Anguish on her face.
Sasha froze. She couldn't move her feet. She knew she was in the guest room, but the scenery around her had changed. It was like watching a movie where you were standing in the scenery. Marcus Linthux had Tia by the upper arm and was dragging her down a stone enclosed hallway. Water was dripping somewhere. They stopped at a large wooden cell door and the guard standing there opened it. Marcus threw Tia into the cell. She fell to the floor. He told her, "This is your new home Princess. Enjoy it. I haven't decided what comforts you will be getting yet. Maybe I will come back later and let you watch me questions some of your friends." Marcus stepped out of the cell and slammed the door hard. His laughter echoed through the dank hallway. Sasha dropped to her knees and put her face in her hands and let the tears fall. She hated the premonitions, because she could not tell anymore which would come true.
Cole didn't answer right away. He reached in his pocket and removed the Earth medallion lying it on the table in front of him, well out of the reach of Tarik. He knew he couldn't use its power and he knew who it was supposed to go to, but that person was not settled enough to hold onto the antiquity. Leaning forward on his folded arms he quietly said, "Are you willing to translate the scroll?"
Cole looked over to Kimtu. The elf shrugged. For some reason the elf had let Tarik break the magical bonds which had held him in the chair. Steepling his fingers in front of him, Cole said, "Sit back down Magi or worse will happen, long before you can locate her. Remember my guards are everywhere. Need to know what I can do .... watch!." Cole nodded at Kimtu who closed his eyes again.
Again Sasha went still. She was still sitting on the floor. Marcus Linthux snaked the whip across the floor as he looked at the man hanging on the post in his courtyard. Sasha screamed when the man's face came into view. The whip cracked through the air and hit the exposed back of Tarik as he hung by his hands. There were multiple stripes on his back. "Learn Magi ... learn who your master is ... you will follow me or I will bring others and have you watch as this happens to them. What of the children Magi .... how will they fare?" Again the whip cracked ... and again... and again. Sasha fell to the floor in sobbing tears. She couldn't move as the scene faded but the memory still assaulted her being.
Cole again said calmly as he lowered his arms back into a fold on the table. "Sit Magi or the next will be worse."
It was time to bring the other guest into the picture. Cole pushed himself out of his seat and started toward the door. "Come with me Magi. I have another guest I wish you to say hello to. I will not bring the person into one of these rooms, so we will go to my office." Cole turned as he put his hand on the door lever. "Remember though, I will not hesitate to strong arm you in the presence of the other guest. You are not allowed direct contact. I just wish you to know other possibilities exist. Your wife will be held until you agree to what I want. The other guest will be used as I see fit. Now come."
Cole looked at the door, shook his head and then looked back to Tarik. "Please don't make me drag you into this meeting Tarik." Thinking for a second he added, "Or make me bring the child into one of these interrogation rooms. I have never brought the children into one of these spaces. They have seen my office and the rest of the island. If you insist though I will make it happen."
Cole looked at the partially open scroll and nodded. He reached for the remote and turned off the monitor. Star was going to be frightened as it was and he didn't need her to see Sasha crying on the floor of the other guest room. Turning to Tarik he said, "What happens next is all on you Magi. Your stubbornness had created the events." Cole turned to Kimtu and nodded. The elf closed his eyes, opened them and nodded back to Cole. Then he went and climbed on an air-chair in the corner.
(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane. We hope you are enjoying the thread.)
STAR
Starling MacStone sat in Mr. Cole's office. Tom had given her a drink and was standing nearby. She didn't like sneaking around like this but Frank had explained this would be the best way to surprise Tarik. She had not realized when she had started working on the surprise that the small piece of torn fragile papayas paper would be so important. The last book which Frank had let her borrow from his library had helped her finish the project and also shown her the danger of what she had. She had contacted Frank through Darik and told him about her worries. He had sent an immediate message back to hold on to the project and not let anyone else see it. He would help her find a safe way to give it to her Uncle Tarik. Apparently Uncle Tarik was on the island and Frank could help him protect the information.
Artkee came into the room and whispered something to Tom, who looked at the elf as if he had two heads. "Are you sure Artkee? He said to bring her there?" The elf nodded and Tom walked up to her. "Star, Frank wants you to give your surprise to your Uncle in another room. Come on." As they walked toward the door, her friend added, "We don't want you to be frightened. The room is a bit scary sometimes but it is where Frank had chosen to talk with your Uncle. Tarik is upset and he and Frank have been arguing. If they continue to fight and Tarik continues to get upset, Frank might have to tie him up or something to get him to calm down. You know Frank would not hurt you or any of the other children. You also know many have thought of him as an evil monster. Some times to get people to listen he has to keep them in one place long enough for them to hear and believe his words. If you get scared you can hide behind me or one of the elves." Tom put his hand on her shoulder and led her across the hall.
Star straightened her back. She trusted Frank. The man could probably be mean to his enemies, but the people, both students and facility were not his enemies. Her Uncle was just going to have to understand this. She reached in the pocket of her robes and made sure the treasure was there. Putting a smile on her face she stepped into a room which resembled a hospital room in one of the Muggle Hospitals. She had been in one when she was five years old because of a broken toe, the result of taking a dare from her younger brother. Uncle Tarik was sitting at a table with Frank. There was a scroll of some type sitting on the table along with a medallion. Star was very interested to see the medallion and with her new found expertise of being able to translate ancient messages, the scroll could be fun also. She walked over to the table and bowed slightly to Uncle Tarik and smiled at Frank. She would wait until he told her it was good to give her surprise to her beloved Uncle.
Star's eyes had gone to the symbols on the open scroll on the table. She was able to pick out the meanings of a few of them. Without taking her eyes off the intriguing scroll she said, "He's back at the school. Only I was allowed to come. No one even knows I am here. It would have been too dangerous." When her Uncle tried to get her to go to the door, she shook her head, straightened her back and genuinely smiled. "Frank has told me it is safe here on his island to give you a gift which I have been working on for over a year now." She reached into her pocket and carefully pulled out the strip of paper. Holding out to Uncle Tarik she said, "It was really hard at first, but with the books in your library and the ones here on the island I was able to figure out enough to be able to fill in the blanks. Some of it is scary Uncle Tarik. I told Frank and he made me promise to wait until we were safe here." She broadened her smile. "I finished it three weeks ago."
Cole kept the smile on his face. He had seen Star looking with great interest at the partially opened scroll. By the light in her eyes she had been able to figure out what some of the symbols represented. It had worried Cole when he first realized the young girl was a gifted translator. Not too many people knew it. If some found out her life could actually be in danger because of her gift. Looking at Tarik, he said, "Star was a little worried about some of the wording, but I explained to her it was done in the past when people thought different." He hoped Tarik caught his understanding of how he had tried to make the child, no she was a young woman now, not be afraid of what she was reading. Star was smart though and would eventually figure out she was reading prophecies which had already started to come about in the Wizarding World. "She has worked very hard to surprise you today. I have even promised her I might have some other puzzles she can work on soon. Wouldn't that be a good thing Tarik?"
.
Cole looked at Tarik and thought, "I will send her home. Although I have not decided if Sasha is going yet. Cross me Medjai and I will bring her back and make sure the girl is deeply involved in the translation. I will not give you a chance to coach her either."
Star looked at Frank. She was hoping to be able to stay and look at the scroll some more, but the man shook his head and she knew she was going to have to leave. "Is Sasha here? Uncle Tarik, I really like translating the ancient languages. Maybe I can help you with this scroll. I will be careful I promise." When her Uncle shook his head no also she slowly turned to the door, her shoulders slumped. Tom was waiting for her. She was just going to have to dig though some of the old papers her mentor Marco Spellman had around his office. He had some books on the shelves which looked really old and he had some papayas papers in one of the drawers. She should be able to find something. When she reached the door she turned and gave the two men a small finger wave.
"Be good Starling. Do what your elders tell you to do and we will talk again soon, I promise." Cole looked at Tarik out of the corner of his eye and added. "Sasha is in another room and will be leaving with you." Star smiled knowing Frank was going to help her with her quest for knowledge about the ancient languages and their secrets. She turned toward the door and left with Tom.
(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane. We hope you are enjoying the thread.)
COLE
Cole turned the video feed back on and after a moment saw Tom enter Sasha's room followed by Star. Star ran up and gave Sasha a hug. Tom and Sasha had words and Sasha was mad but she was also holding back because Star was in the room. A few more moments passed, before Sasha nodded and followed Tom and Star out the door. She was going home whether she wanted to or not.
Cole turned to Tarik. "I will use Sasha first, Tarik, but I need the scroll translated. Star would take a lot longer, but I don't really want to bring her that deep into this. Her gift is growing in leaps and bounds. She will rival you someday, not too far into the future. You need to train her on how to know what she is reading is dangerous if it gets into others hands. Telling her not to translate will not do any good. It is a strong hobby of hers now and will only grow. As you translate the scroll you will give the child a few passages which she can work on. Nothing with a lot of detail, but she will be allowed to learn the language. We will set up a schedule of some kind. I will need to see progress with the scrolls very soon or plan B will be in effect whether you want it to be or not. I do hope I am understood here."
Cole watched the screen as Sasha and Star disappeared off the platform. They were returning to the school. Turning back to Tarik he again took his seat at the table. "I know what the Number is capable of and I know what Marcus in capable of. The Number will only keep him in power as long as he follows the Number's directions. I still am not sure whether Marcus knows this or not. The man might not be willing to let it be known, but he is frightened. I just need him more frightened of me than the number or at least equally frightened. Your only job for me is to work on the translation. The scroll will remain on this island, so you will be coming here to work on it. Star will be brought here once a week to receive her 'present' of a passage of the scroll. The piece she gets will be invisible to anyone but you or her. It will look like a blank piece of parchment. It will also decay if someone touches it who is not you, me or her. She will understand this, of course. and she will know to keep the secret of where she got the paper. Luke will not even know."
(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane. We hope you are enjoying the thread. Continued in Diagon & Knockturn Alley’s, Shadow Lounge, Tarik Begins Again.)
(OOC: Continuation of Diagon & Knockturn Alley’s, Shadow Lounge, Taking The Trouble outside)
TARIK SADAKI
Tom left to bring the Magi into the meeting. Cole turned, placing his hands on his hips he said, "Sit back down Sasha. You are feeling like you are because Marcus shot you with a drug which allowed you to see clearly without preconceptions of how you are supposed to feel creeping in. At the moment we are going to talk to your husband about what has happened. I have chosen to let you stay, but..." Cole walked over to her and got in her space, "that can be changed very easily. Now either sit back down, or I will have you delivered back to Hogwarts." Tarik was due to walk through the door any moment. Cole didn't mind Tarik seeing Sasha in the room. He had promised the Magi he would protect his wife and he had done that. Tarik's blood magic would be kept under control by the elves so he wasn't worried about that. He just hoped the man would give him enough time to explain what Cole knew he had felt through his empathy abilities before he started to fight. Cole silently told Punta, Artkee and Tarka to stand back but be ready to assist.
Sasha shook her head as she said, "I don't care what Marcus gave me. You are not getting what you want from my husband Tarik! Not now, Not ever! Now send all three of us home!" She was scared cause a deal like this is how Daniel almost got the translation. Her husband had never agreed that he would exchange the Runes Translation for protection for Tia but that is what Daniel believed. Her mind showed her Daniel's anger when Tarik refused. She remembered the vision that had sent her to confront Daniel at St. Mungo's.
(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane. We hope you are enjoying the thread.)
SASHA
Sasha shook her head as she said, "It has given my husband enough pain. Leave Tarik alone and unless you want to learn firsthand why the Magi call me Raven, Leave my family out of yours and Khalid's revenge! I have insured Tarik never learns the whereabouts of his elder brother so leave him be or I will destroy your father-in-law myself!"
Cole was about to tell Sasha to sit down again when the door opened and Tarik entered followed by Tom and two other specialist. Tarik's robes were rumbled as if he had been fighting, but there were no marks on his face or on any of the others. Cole moved around Sasha and walked to where Tarik stood, looking back and forth between him and his wife. Bowing slightly Cole said, "Welcome Tarik. Please have a seat at the table." Cole looked at Tom and signaled that he wanted to know why Tarik had been able to keep his robes. His lieutenant just shrugged. The two specialist had not taken their eyes off the Magi. Both of them stood with their fists balled, ready to swing. "Gentlemen," Cole said in their direction, "You are dismissed." The two troopers looked one more time at Tarik, went to attention, snapped salutes and walked out. "That's better. Tom you can stay but stand down, please."
"Yes Captain, as you order." Tom took one step back toward the door, but he was still on point if needed.
Cole looked back to Tarik, who had not moved. "I have asked that you please be seated Magi. Your wife has requested to stay. She was given the option of leaving but has instead decided it would be better if she was here." Turning slightly toward the three elves, Cole added, "The elves behind you are Tocoferty Punta, Tocoferty Artkee and Tocoferty Tarka. They have all had special training by Tocoferty Darik." Cole hoped if he used the elves titles, Tocoferty meaning Son of Person Who Gives Life or Prince in the Muggle language, he would show Tarik, he had not changed since the last time they had talked at Tia and Landon's wedding on the island. Cole again motioned toward the chairs.
Tarik shook his head as he motioned for Sasha to follow him saying,"I came for my wife, Mr. Cole and now that I have her we will be leaving." He turned to face Tom as he said, "Tom, you need to teach those other two that when I say nobody touches a Magi's robes, they really need to listen. I will kill them next time they try to remove my robes." Tarik watched as Sasha stood beside him. He was puzzled as his wife was still worried though her mind was finally clear.
He asked, "Sasha what is wrong? We are headed home."
Sasha smiled as she held Tarik's hand. She shook her head as she answered, "Neo! We can't leave him here. Also Fixer is up to something." She visions were showing her that Fixer was not intending them leaving yet.
Tarik smiled as he looked at Tom saying, "Where is he?"
(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane. We hope you are enjoying the thread.)
COLE
Cole didn't answer Tarik. Slowly he went and sat in one of the four chairs around the table. He leaned back in the chair, placed his elbows on the arms and steepled his finger in front of his face. Resting his lips on the tips of the fingers he studied them for a moment. He dropped his fingers on his chest and smiled. After a moment he motioned toward the other chairs. "Please be seated Magi. You and your wife are not going anywhere until we talk. Neo is sleeping comfortably in another room. He will most likely be allowed to leave with you, if he wishes but at the moment he is of no concern. Now please be seated or I am afraid I must ask the elves to assist you." Cole didn't want to forcibly make Tarik and Sasha sit. He knew the elves would remove Tarik's robes before they would force them into a chair. He needed Tarik to understand what Marcus was planning or at least try and plan. Sasha would never tell him all of it, because she was afraid of having her husband hurt, and mistakenly thought if she kept Marcus' intent from Tarik, he would not go after the man. Of, course Cole didn't want him going after Marcus either, but he needed the Magi to take what was happening seriously.
Tarik shook his head as he said as he relaxed, "no concern Mr. Cole! I think not. Neo is a concern for my wife which means he is leaving with me and Sasha now! We have nothing to discuss as I know exactly what Marcus Linthux and you tried in regards to my beautiful Sasha."
He looked at the elves as he said bowing, "I respect you my friends but stay out of this and the robe stays on me." He reached into his robes and pulled his blades. He knew Fixer would recognize them from their first meeting at Hog's Head last term. He looked at Fixer daring him to try and stop him.
Tom smiled. Acting as if he was going to make his way to the table, he reached out and pinched Tarik's neck, hitting the one pressure point that would drop the man to the floor. He caught Tarik as he sank to the floor making sure the man's knives stayed clear of his own body. When Tarik was all the way down he stood and looked at the Captain for any clue on how to handle Sasha. The elves had already started to carefully remove the Magi's robes. They would lay him out on the bed until he was revived.
Sasha was furious at Tom and chose to teach the man not to blind slide her husband.
Cole smiled and pointed to Sasha, who had taken a very defensive stance, close to where the elves now had Tarik's robes off and folded. He was being carefully raised off the floor with the use of Elfin Magic and floated toward the Queen size bed. Cole was interested in how Tom would handle the situation. He knew Tom was having trouble with the idea of attacking and possibly hurting a woman he admired, and who he knew Cole would have a problem if he seriously hurt her. He also knew Sasha was well able to fight. When Tom pulled his knife out of his boot, Cole raised his eyebrows but quickly nodded his head. Tom was backed up to the edge of the bed and threatening to cut Tarik. Cole looked at Sasha.
Sasha sadly shook her head as Max's godson threatened her husband if she tried anything else. "Let him go or I drop your boss, Tom!", Sasha said knowing it was an empty threat. The fight in Sasha was gone as she watched helpless.
She turned to Fixer as if asking what he was planning for them. She was scared cause Tarik had openly threatened Fixer.
Tom shook his head. The woman had no weapons and the Captain had not moved from his chair so he was not worried about the threat from Sasha. The Captain was smiling. Tom mentally gave himself a high-five. He wouldn't step away from the now reclining Magi until Sasha sat back at the table but his mussels were more relaxed.
Cole nodded to Tom and smiled. The man had handled the situation with finesse. Later he would re-establish his rank to Lieutenant. It had been removed, not long about because he had put Tia into a dangerous situation, without thinking. "Sasha please have a seat and I will have the elves wake Tarik, but not until you are seated."
(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane. We hope you are enjoying the thread.)
SASHA
Sasha shook her head as she said, "I will stay with my husband and suffer his fate," She would protect Tarik even if she had to deal to save him.
"I will give Marcus the killer just don't..."
Cole pushed himself up and walked to where Sasha was sitting. He reached down and gently stood her on her feet. Her fight was gone. "Come Sasha, have a seat at the table and then we will get Tarik awake." He lead her to the table and pulled out a chair for her and made sure she was comfortable. She had not taken her eyes off the bed. Cole signaled Tom to step away from the bed and for the elves to wake the Magi. Standing over Sasha, in a threatening manner, to try and prevent Tarik from acting irrationally, Cole crossed his arms across his chest.
Sasha was scared as she was lead to the seat she sat in earlier. All she could do was pray that Khalid wanted his baby brother alive. She asked again, "What are you planning for my husband? I know he pulled his blades but please Fixer?"
(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane. We hope you are enjoying the thread.)
TARIK
Tarik was furious as he opened his eyes and grabbed the man he had known all the boys life. He noticed where Tom's eyes were so he released him. "Well Fixer, you Marcus' puppet now? Where is my robes and blades?" Tarik knew it was unlikely he would get either back. Narrowing his eyes he promised, "Hurt her and you will live only long enough to regret it! Now release her!" he said still not thinking clearly. The elves had been kind but there was still after effects of their magic.
Tarik stood and shakily made his way over to the table, staring first at Cole, daring him to do anything. Tarik reach for Sasha's hand and gently squeezed it as he said, "No Sasha you said Daniel brought about his own death and it was self defense. You will be marking a man. Marcus will destroy the man and his family. You saw it happen in your vision. Please sweetheart you don't ever have to comply with the likes of Linthux." Still holding his wife's hand he looked back up at Fixer. "What now?" The man had his wife and he would do anything to protect her. Fixer knew this. He had to protect Sasha. "Send her home and I will stay." Tarik tried not to plead, but for the love of his life he would.
Cole calmly returned to his seat and motioned to the chair between him and Sasha. He was purposely letting Tarik figure he was between them. As Tarik sat down, Cole began his explanation. "First Sasha is not going to give Marcus anything." He looked at Tarik. "I promised you I would try and keep your wife as safe as possible and that is why I set up the meeting between Marcus and Sasha here. He was determined to talk with her." Turning to Sasha, who's eyes were glued to Tarik, he continued. "Sasha, he was planning on kidnapping you anyway he could so he could talk with you, and none of you realized the pure evil intent of what he was planning. I am sure I have pulled his attention more in my direction." Cole held up his hand when Tarik was about to speak. "No, I am not saying you all need to let down your guard. The man is not as good at accomplishing what he wants as Daniel was, but he is egotistical and thinks he has power, and that fact alone makes him more dangerous." Cole raked his hands through his hair. "I will double my guard on the school and the children, but you know I still have to stay behind the scenes as much as possible. I am still hoping to get someone into his organization."
Cole looked up at Tom when the man took a quick step forward. "No Lieutenant you cannot go in. Marcus knows who you are, number one and two, I need you here. You do need to help me watch the men and see who might be good for the job. It will have to be a man, because Marcus does not trust women to be strong enough to do what he is going to want done. It also has to me someone young, because Marcus would consider them not very experienced and impressionable enough to be able to be turned. If you get someone you think might fit the bill, you have my permission to start training them. If you can get them to a point where you think they will work out, I will interview them and see what other training they need for the black ops job."
Tom saluted and said, "Yes Captain. I will start looking as soon as we are done." By the look on his face, Cole knew the man realized he was returned to Officer duty. Turning back to Tarik he said, "Magi, maybe it is time to bring your lovely wife up to speed on what is happening around her." Turning to Sasha he continued, "I am not the enemy Sasha, no matter what you think. I have been protecting the school for a very long time. Yes I do work in some ways for Khalid, and I cannot explain to you why at the moment, but know this, I will never purposely allow one of the children or even another innocent to be hurt. There is a much bigger picture going on and will continue indefinitely until all of the people are in place to take down the Clan and then the Dark Wizards. All you have to do is protect the school as much as you can." Cole stopped talking and waited to see if any of the information he had just given had sunk in.
Sasha shook her head as she said, "Tarik, Marcus either has or will have Ash. In my vision Ash was obeying a vampire. He ordered the vampire to turn her in front of her twin Luke. Her first meal will be Star if Luke does not do something Marcus wants done. My vision did not show what but it must have to do with the school or Tia cause Marcus loved the inner pain the choice caused Luke."
Tarik nodded as he said, "Sasha the drug Marcus gave you? You okay from it?" He knew Fixer was not done with him but asked anyways, "So my blades and robes or am I staying a while? And Sasha has seen why you are working with my brother, Fixer. She has not told me the vision but I do know she has decided to not to ever trust you or my brother. I have decided not to push the issue with her. Also you have somebody in the Seven already or did you forget one Khalid and two Chameleon?" Tarik looked deep into Sasha's eyes and knew she had seen a vision.
(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane. We hope you are enjoying the thread.)
COLE
Cole stood up and walked over to where Tom stood. He whispered in the man's ear. Receiving a nod he returned to his seat. Straddling the chair he folded his arms on the table and started, "I have decided to move this little party along. Tarik, you know in your heart why you are here. I need you to begin again on the scroll translations." Cole knew Sasha was going to protest but he was ready. Turning to her, not giving Tarik a chance to say anything yet, he said, "Sasha you have decided to stay on my island. I do need to talk with Tarik alone though so you will please follow Tom to one of the guest rooms. When Tarik and I come to an understanding you will be returned here, and we will inform you what will happen next." Cole stood and motioned toward the door. Tom stood buy the door waiting. Once he had Sasha in another room, he would carry out the rest of Cole's orders.
Sasha shook her head as she asked, "Please tell me you did not trade translating in exchange for protection for me?"
Tarik shook his head as he said, "No My love. I even told Fixer that I would not even discuss it because the Runes are no longer available. I had Darik destroy my copies and the Caretakers destroyed the dojo or Marcus would have known this island as I did. In fact I think I know exactly who Marcus is looking for."
Sasha inside shook cause her husband had made a connection she had prayed he never would. She turned towards Fixer as she pulled her special hair pin, saying, "We and Neo are leaving and I dare you to try to stop us. Now where is Cooler?"
Cole just shook his head and stuck one finger in the air. He pulled the finger down to his palm and waited. He watched Tom move skirting around Sasha with his hands held as if in surrender, her eyes following him around. He walked up to Tarik and pulled his knife, putting it under the man's chin. "Now Sasha you need to put that toy away or Tom will see how far he can push his knife into Tarik's skin before he finds blood. We are going to do this my way not yours."
Sasha inside shook cause her husband had made a connection she had prayed he never would. She turned towards Fixer as she pulled the special hair pin, saying from over her ear and held it out in front of her. She always tried to have a weapon which could be a surprise. The ornate Japanese hair ornaments worked well because most men would not consider them as a weapon. "We and Neo are leaving and I dare you to try to stop us. Now where is Cooler?"
Cole just shook his head and stuck one finger in the air. He pulled the finger down to his palm and waited. He watched Tom move skirting around Sasha with his hands held as if in surrender, her eyes following him around. He walked up to Tarik and pulled his knife, putting it under the man's chin. "Now Sasha you need to put that toy away or Tom will see how far he can push his knife into Tarik's skin before he finds blood. We are going to do this my way not yours."
Sasha shook her head saying, "Tom, release him as you know just who gave these to me as a wedding present. I will use them." Inside she wondered who would win this game of uncle. She wondered if her husband was as calm as he seemed.
Tarik watched Sasha marveling in how beautiful she looked when she was protective. He instinctively knew she might attack Fixer but never would she hurt Tom. He could disarm Tom but that would only make Fixer just choose a different way to convince Sasha to lay her babies down.
He knew Sasha was furious that Fixer was not taking her serious. He heard Sasha say, "Toys, I will show Toys!" She threw one of her pins straight at Fixer.
Tarik was scare for Sasha cause Fixer never let attacking him slide.Sasha had just openly attacked Fixer. He needed to think about how he could protect his strong-willed wife.
The hairpin stopped one inch from Fixer's forehead. He hadn't moved because he knew Punta, who was still in the room would keep him from getting hurt. Cole reached up and plucked the pin out of the air, turning it in his hand. "Nice throw, Sasha but it's not going to help." Cole held his hand in the air, fingers opened. Quickly he snapped his hand shut and Sasha became bolt upright stiff as a board, her arms at her side. She would have fallen if Punta had not caught her. The elf stuck out his hand and Sasha now lay flat in mid-air. Cole looked at Tarik and said one word, "also". Tarik soon found himself in one of the chairs magically fastened in around his chest and legs. Cole only shook his head as he walked toward Sasha who was staring at him with daggers in her eyes. "I told you Sasha you were going with Tom while I talk with Tarik. You are not going to be harmed but taken to one of the more comfortable guest rooms. Punta, will get you anything you desire from the kitchens or the library." Cole glanced at Tarik then back to Sasha, "Hopefully your husband and I can come to a quick understanding." Cole turned to Tom and said, "Take her to the green room and then carry out the rest of your orders."
"Yes Captain," Tom said adding a salute.
He turned to Punta and said, "You will stay with her until you are relieved. If anything is needed mentally get in touch with one of your brethren and have them bring it. She is not to be left alone."
"Yes Master Frank, I understand. Tarka is already on his way to the guest room now. He will meet us there and retrieve anything Mistress Sasha requests." The elf bowed slightly and placed his hand six inches above Sasha's chest. She started to float toward the door, which opened unassisted as they approached. They were followed by Tom who closed the door behind him. The lock fell into place. Cole looked over to the corner and found Kimtu sitting on an air-chair. The elf was getting sneaky, which only made Cole smile. When the elf had first arrived he was shy and would very rarely show any kind of initiative.
Cole watched Tarik, while he walked to a cabinet along the wall and retrieved a roll of fine leather from a shelf. He walked back to the table, straddled the chair and placed the roll in the center. Folding his arms on the table in front of him, he stared at Tarik.
Tarik was wanting to protect Sasha but to do so would give Fixer a bargaining chip. He watched as his soul mate was floated from the room. He knew all he had to do was agree to translate the runes only if Fixer would forget Sasha's attack. He inwardly knew if only it was that simple, he would in a heartbeat. He loved her and would do anything to protect her. He shook his head as he remembered what was at stake. He watched Fixer take a scroll from the cabinet and place it on the table. He asked fearing the answer, "Where is the Dalai Lama? The man is a man of peace Fixer? How could you just to give you a more direct answer? If so, then My answer is NO! I will never give you the translation you and Khalid seek!"
"The Dalai Lama has died. The search is still on for the next one. Before passing he said he would come back as a very young child. The scroll was passed to a trusted friend of his and then passed to me for safe keeping. While I have it you are going to translate it. This is not a request Medjai, this is an order." Cole didn't want to have to use the persuasive measures he had come up with, but he would if he needed to. Both people involved in the persuasion were on the island. Hopefully he would be able to send both of them back home.
(OOC: For more information on how Cole received the scroll see: Archived 2011, Path to Destruction.)
(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane. We hope you are enjoying the thread.)
TARIK
Tarik sadly shook his head as he said, "I never had the honor of a personal invite. The medallion where is it? He held one of the special medallions for safe keeping! If you have it, I want it now! I know it bearer and will give it to..." He stopped as he still needed to protect the Tibetan princess. He smiled as he shook his head saying, "As for translating the Tibetan scroll, No!" He needed to know who of the Tibetan princess royal guard would be so foolish as to hand the scroll to anybody except her. Tarik inwardly wondered if the royal guards were still having trouble locating the baby that was hidden in China by the Dalai Lama. Tarik realized he needed to get Darik to locate this guard and set a meeting between him and Tarik.
Cole pointed to the monitor at the end of the room. It showed Sasha alternately pacing and sitting on the bed and in one of the four chairs. "Let me see if I can change your mind." Cole turned to Kimtu and nodded. The elf closed his eyes. Sasha went board straight where she stood. Anguish on her face.
Sasha froze. She couldn't move her feet. She knew she was in the guest room, but the scenery around her had changed. It was like watching a movie where you were standing in the scenery. Marcus Linthux had Tia by the upper arm and was dragging her down a stone enclosed hallway. Water was dripping somewhere. They stopped at a large wooden cell door and the guard standing there opened it. Marcus threw Tia into the cell. She fell to the floor. He told her, "This is your new home Princess. Enjoy it. I haven't decided what comforts you will be getting yet. Maybe I will come back later and let you watch me questions some of your friends." Marcus stepped out of the cell and slammed the door hard. His laughter echoed through the dank hallway. Sasha dropped to her knees and put her face in her hands and let the tears fall. She hated the premonitions, because she could not tell anymore which would come true.
Tarik watched his wife got a sudden vision and knew by her reaction it was not a good one. It had sent her to her knees with pure fear. He fought bonds holding him in the chair around his ankles and his chest. Fixer had left his hands free, but was too far away to get to the man. "Sasha needs me now! Release me Cole or watch as I show how a Magi gets free!" He knew inside that Fixer had the elf create a vision but all he wanted now was to comfort Sasha.
Cole didn't answer right away. He reached in his pocket and removed the Earth medallion lying it on the table in front of him, well out of the reach of Tarik. He knew he couldn't use its power and he knew who it was supposed to go to, but that person was not settled enough to hold onto the antiquity. Leaning forward on his folded arms he quietly said, "Are you willing to translate the scroll?"
Tarik waited staring at the man across the table. He reached for both the scroll and medallion. The medallion was too far away but he held the scroll close to his chest. "This scroll is not your and neither is the medallion! So No! The translation will not be known by you either." Tarik locked eyes with the elf daring him to stop him. Without losing eye contact he clinched his fists and suddenly stood breaking the back of the chair and the chair legs. "I told you Magi are not easy to hold prisoner!" His magic had once again went wild in his need to get to Sasha and comfort her.
Cole looked over to Kimtu. The elf shrugged. For some reason the elf had let Tarik break the magical bonds which had held him in the chair. Steepling his fingers in front of him, Cole said, "Sit back down Magi or worse will happen, long before you can locate her. Remember my guards are everywhere. Need to know what I can do .... watch!." Cole nodded at Kimtu who closed his eyes again.
Again Sasha went still. She was still sitting on the floor. Marcus Linthux snaked the whip across the floor as he looked at the man hanging on the post in his courtyard. Sasha screamed when the man's face came into view. The whip cracked through the air and hit the exposed back of Tarik as he hung by his hands. There were multiple stripes on his back. "Learn Magi ... learn who your master is ... you will follow me or I will bring others and have you watch as this happens to them. What of the children Magi .... how will they fare?" Again the whip cracked ... and again... and again. Sasha fell to the floor in sobbing tears. She couldn't move as the scene faded but the memory still assaulted her being.
Cole again said calmly as he lowered his arms back into a fold on the table. "Sit Magi or the next will be worse."
Tarik felt at least partly what the elf was showing Sasha. He knew the more his wife's visions were out of her control so would this side of him be, the warrior side manifesting itself only to take care of and protect his wife. His heart ached to see the anguish she was being put through. Tarik glared at Fixer saying, "The answer is still No and the more Sasha feels out of control..." He did sit down in one of the two unbroken chairs, maintaining his tight grip on the closed scroll.
It was time to bring the other guest into the picture. Cole pushed himself out of his seat and started toward the door. "Come with me Magi. I have another guest I wish you to say hello to. I will not bring the person into one of these rooms, so we will go to my office." Cole turned as he put his hand on the door lever. "Remember though, I will not hesitate to strong arm you in the presence of the other guest. You are not allowed direct contact. I just wish you to know other possibilities exist. Your wife will be held until you agree to what I want. The other guest will be used as I see fit. Now come."
Tarik was afraid of this side of himself. I made him too much like Khalid. He shook his head as he said, "No!" He needed to calm himself or his magic would open the scroll. He trusted Fixer to a point but this scroll was given to the first Dalai Lama by Menka. He had no right to give the translation to an outsider first.
Cole looked at the door, shook his head and then looked back to Tarik. "Please don't make me drag you into this meeting Tarik." Thinking for a second he added, "Or make me bring the child into one of these interrogation rooms. I have never brought the children into one of these spaces. They have seen my office and the rest of the island. If you insist though I will make it happen."
Tarik was furious as he said, "How dare you involve the children Fixer! Send the child home Now!" Inwardly he was terrified the child was Tia. He was her protector, adviser and uncle. He had to protect her and with his magic this wild how could he. Just then his magic did the unthinkable and opened the scroll. Tarik knew it was only a matter of time before his wild magic began translating it. He said in a whisper, "Whether I want to know it or not..."
Cole looked at the partially open scroll and nodded. He reached for the remote and turned off the monitor. Star was going to be frightened as it was and he didn't need her to see Sasha crying on the floor of the other guest room. Turning to Tarik he said, "What happens next is all on you Magi. Your stubbornness had created the events." Cole turned to Kimtu and nodded. The elf closed his eyes, opened them and nodded back to Cole. Then he went and climbed on an air-chair in the corner.
(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane. We hope you are enjoying the thread.)
STAR
Starling MacStone sat in Mr. Cole's office. Tom had given her a drink and was standing nearby. She didn't like sneaking around like this but Frank had explained this would be the best way to surprise Tarik. She had not realized when she had started working on the surprise that the small piece of torn fragile papayas paper would be so important. The last book which Frank had let her borrow from his library had helped her finish the project and also shown her the danger of what she had. She had contacted Frank through Darik and told him about her worries. He had sent an immediate message back to hold on to the project and not let anyone else see it. He would help her find a safe way to give it to her Uncle Tarik. Apparently Uncle Tarik was on the island and Frank could help him protect the information.
Artkee came into the room and whispered something to Tom, who looked at the elf as if he had two heads. "Are you sure Artkee? He said to bring her there?" The elf nodded and Tom walked up to her. "Star, Frank wants you to give your surprise to your Uncle in another room. Come on." As they walked toward the door, her friend added, "We don't want you to be frightened. The room is a bit scary sometimes but it is where Frank had chosen to talk with your Uncle. Tarik is upset and he and Frank have been arguing. If they continue to fight and Tarik continues to get upset, Frank might have to tie him up or something to get him to calm down. You know Frank would not hurt you or any of the other children. You also know many have thought of him as an evil monster. Some times to get people to listen he has to keep them in one place long enough for them to hear and believe his words. If you get scared you can hide behind me or one of the elves." Tom put his hand on her shoulder and led her across the hall.
Star straightened her back. She trusted Frank. The man could probably be mean to his enemies, but the people, both students and facility were not his enemies. Her Uncle was just going to have to understand this. She reached in the pocket of her robes and made sure the treasure was there. Putting a smile on her face she stepped into a room which resembled a hospital room in one of the Muggle Hospitals. She had been in one when she was five years old because of a broken toe, the result of taking a dare from her younger brother. Uncle Tarik was sitting at a table with Frank. There was a scroll of some type sitting on the table along with a medallion. Star was very interested to see the medallion and with her new found expertise of being able to translate ancient messages, the scroll could be fun also. She walked over to the table and bowed slightly to Uncle Tarik and smiled at Frank. She would wait until he told her it was good to give her surprise to her beloved Uncle.
Tarik was partly relieved to see Star until she smiled at Fixer. He knew her well enough to know she considered Fixer a friend. He also knew like Hawk she was a seeker. He thought to Fixer, "What are you up to Cole? Send her home!" He knew he could not destroy her belief in her ability to see the truth about people.
He said to Star, "Star, where is Luke? Go wait by the door please. Sasha will not be happy if she realize you snuck out, will she?" He could only pray that Fixer backed him. The man had made his point and Tarik knew he had few options left.
He said to Star, "Star, where is Luke? Go wait by the door please. Sasha will not be happy if she realize you snuck out, will she?" He could only pray that Fixer backed him. The man had made his point and Tarik knew he had few options left.
Star's eyes had gone to the symbols on the open scroll on the table. She was able to pick out the meanings of a few of them. Without taking her eyes off the intriguing scroll she said, "He's back at the school. Only I was allowed to come. No one even knows I am here. It would have been too dangerous." When her Uncle tried to get her to go to the door, she shook her head, straightened her back and genuinely smiled. "Frank has told me it is safe here on his island to give you a gift which I have been working on for over a year now." She reached into her pocket and carefully pulled out the strip of paper. Holding out to Uncle Tarik she said, "It was really hard at first, but with the books in your library and the ones here on the island I was able to figure out enough to be able to fill in the blanks. Some of it is scary Uncle Tarik. I told Frank and he made me promise to wait until we were safe here." She broadened her smile. "I finished it three weeks ago."
Cole kept the smile on his face. He had seen Star looking with great interest at the partially opened scroll. By the light in her eyes she had been able to figure out what some of the symbols represented. It had worried Cole when he first realized the young girl was a gifted translator. Not too many people knew it. If some found out her life could actually be in danger because of her gift. Looking at Tarik, he said, "Star was a little worried about some of the wording, but I explained to her it was done in the past when people thought different." He hoped Tarik caught his understanding of how he had tried to make the child, no she was a young woman now, not be afraid of what she was reading. Star was smart though and would eventually figure out she was reading prophecies which had already started to come about in the Wizarding World. "She has worked very hard to surprise you today. I have even promised her I might have some other puzzles she can work on soon. Wouldn't that be a good thing Tarik?"
Tarik shook his head too terrified of his own thoughts to speak them aloud. In his mind he admitted to Cole, "No Cole and you know it! Help me convince her to go home with Sasha. If Marcus finds out, he has Ashley and Tommy has not been seen since Tia went to the hospital wing. I fear the worst that the Dark One once again has control through Marcus Linthux of the Seven. I can't trust my brother to be free much longer," Outwardly all he said, "Thank you Star. You did very well. Go by the door, You should have at least informed one of the adults, Star. You know how much we keep telling Tia that. You sneaking out is going to get Brennan questioning himself again." He hoped he had not scared Star to much but he was terrified that Marcus would learn of Star's ability and decide to convince Shadow to once again focus on the Core
Cole looked at Tarik and thought, "I will send her home. Although I have not decided if Sasha is going yet. Cross me Medjai and I will bring her back and make sure the girl is deeply involved in the translation. I will not give you a chance to coach her either."
Star looked at Frank. She was hoping to be able to stay and look at the scroll some more, but the man shook his head and she knew she was going to have to leave. "Is Sasha here? Uncle Tarik, I really like translating the ancient languages. Maybe I can help you with this scroll. I will be careful I promise." When her Uncle shook his head no also she slowly turned to the door, her shoulders slumped. Tom was waiting for her. She was just going to have to dig though some of the old papers her mentor Marco Spellman had around his office. He had some books on the shelves which looked really old and he had some papayas papers in one of the drawers. She should be able to find something. When she reached the door she turned and gave the two men a small finger wave.
"Be good Starling. Do what your elders tell you to do and we will talk again soon, I promise." Cole looked at Tarik out of the corner of his eye and added. "Sasha is in another room and will be leaving with you." Star smiled knowing Frank was going to help her with her quest for knowledge about the ancient languages and their secrets. She turned toward the door and left with Tom.
(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane. We hope you are enjoying the thread.)
COLE
Cole turned the video feed back on and after a moment saw Tom enter Sasha's room followed by Star. Star ran up and gave Sasha a hug. Tom and Sasha had words and Sasha was mad but she was also holding back because Star was in the room. A few more moments passed, before Sasha nodded and followed Tom and Star out the door. She was going home whether she wanted to or not.
Cole turned to Tarik. "I will use Sasha first, Tarik, but I need the scroll translated. Star would take a lot longer, but I don't really want to bring her that deep into this. Her gift is growing in leaps and bounds. She will rival you someday, not too far into the future. You need to train her on how to know what she is reading is dangerous if it gets into others hands. Telling her not to translate will not do any good. It is a strong hobby of hers now and will only grow. As you translate the scroll you will give the child a few passages which she can work on. Nothing with a lot of detail, but she will be allowed to learn the language. We will set up a schedule of some kind. I will need to see progress with the scrolls very soon or plan B will be in effect whether you want it to be or not. I do hope I am understood here."
Tarik was glad that both Star and his beloved Sasha were on their way home. He smiled at Fixer as he said shaking his head, "Cole, don't you have any clue as to the way of the Magi? You saw yourself what lengths Marcus is willing to go to get his way. If Marcus has brought the Seven back to worshiping the Number? Then it won't be long before my older brother Khalid will have no choice. I am not sure I can in good faith allow my gift to be used by those who would destroy the very ones I am sworn to protect? Khalid is bound by his word to the Seven and now you have angered possibly the new voice of the Number? How do you think Khalid will see what you said and did to Marcus?"
Tarik was worried cause he knew from talks with Daniel that Marcus believed the Number was a god. Tarik felt Daniel's need to get Tarik converted or made an example of. Tarik grinned as he realized Daniel's need for the translation gave Tarik the time he needed. Daniel had chosen not to make his move against Tarik until after he had the translation. Tarik said quietly, "My brother lives on borrowed time unless he can prove to Marcus that the Dark Medjai is still loyal to the original Seven? Fixer's life is about to get very complicated."
Tarik was worried cause he knew from talks with Daniel that Marcus believed the Number was a god. Tarik felt Daniel's need to get Tarik converted or made an example of. Tarik grinned as he realized Daniel's need for the translation gave Tarik the time he needed. Daniel had chosen not to make his move against Tarik until after he had the translation. Tarik said quietly, "My brother lives on borrowed time unless he can prove to Marcus that the Dark Medjai is still loyal to the original Seven? Fixer's life is about to get very complicated."
Cole watched the screen as Sasha and Star disappeared off the platform. They were returning to the school. Turning back to Tarik he again took his seat at the table. "I know what the Number is capable of and I know what Marcus in capable of. The Number will only keep him in power as long as he follows the Number's directions. I still am not sure whether Marcus knows this or not. The man might not be willing to let it be known, but he is frightened. I just need him more frightened of me than the number or at least equally frightened. Your only job for me is to work on the translation. The scroll will remain on this island, so you will be coming here to work on it. Star will be brought here once a week to receive her 'present' of a passage of the scroll. The piece she gets will be invisible to anyone but you or her. It will look like a blank piece of parchment. It will also decay if someone touches it who is not you, me or her. She will understand this, of course. and she will know to keep the secret of where she got the paper. Luke will not even know."
(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane. We hope you are enjoying the thread. Continued in Diagon & Knockturn Alley’s, Shadow Lounge, Tarik Begins Again.)
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