#or Legend being scared and pulling a knife or sword on Warriors

[damfangirl08]

Legend being scared of the knights of the chain, especially Warriors, is one of my favorite headcanons because there is so much angst potential for both him and the knights.

Like Warriors being scared of traitors being extra on egde around Legend because it seems like Legend doesn't trust him and Legend won't open up to anyone about anything so Legend thinks Warriors is going to kill him while Warriors thinks Legend is going to stab him in the back

[inkedmyths]

The Final Battle

Because someone wanted me to write this in fic form. Your welcome.

Based on a certain conversation I had with @draconiswinters

"How much longer do you think they'll be at it?"

"Hylia only knows."

Sky and Hyrule were sitting on the edge of a clearing, watching the argument continue. Sky had the Master Sword laying across his lap, a precaution since the Darks were sitting across on the other side of the glade. No fighting had happened yet. Well, not as in sword fighting. Noble and Warriors, on the other hand, had been yelling at each other for the better part of an hour.

"This is the bitch-off to end all bitch-offs," Legend could be heard muttering on the other end of the group of heroes. Several murmurs of agreement echoed from the others.

-

Meanwhile, the Darks sat on the other edge of the large clearing. Eternal was pinching the bridge of his nose, likely contemplating exactly what life choices he had made that had brought him to this point. Why was he putting up with this whole situation again? Probably because he was frankly too tired to do anything about it. Everything was grating on his nerves. Maybe they should just leave Noble here.

Tempest was lying on his back, his feet propped up on a tree. "I'm bored," he whined, stamping a foot against the wooden trunk. "I want to do something!"

"How about shutting up?" Snapped Conqueror. The taller Dark was rather miffed at not being able to punch his Light counterpart due to the ongoing fight.

"If anyone should shut up, it's Noble," Tempest grumbled back. Eternal sighed internally. They'd been sitting around for a while. Everyone was growing restless.

-

Back on the other side of the clearing with the Lights, things weren't going much better. Wild was fidgeting a lot, and it was clear his was practically vibrating with pent-up energy. The others were similarly looking bored and uncomfortable. The whole situation was a bit awkward.

"So... anyone up for a game of Go Fish?" Hyrule offered. "I have a deck of cards."

"I am!" Wind hopped up from his formerly seated position and bounced over, plopping down beside the brunet hero.

"Sure." Four slid over.

Legend shrugged, joining them. "Why not?"

Sky moved down off the rock he was sitting on to join them. He glanced up at the three who had yet to join. "You guys want in?"

Time shook his head. "You kids have fun. I'm going to keep an eye on the situation."

Twilight also shook his head. "Wild needs something to do to let off some energy. I need to keep an eye on him." At that, Wild jumped up and scrambled up a nearby tree. He jumped down, then climbed up it again. Sky watched for a moment, then nodded and turned to the others gathered for the game.

Hyrule started dealing out cards. "Do you all know how to play?" The others nodded. "Good. That means we can start once I have everyone's cards passed out.

-

"What are they doing over there?" muttered Savage, eyeing the group of Lights gathered around each other.

"Cards, it looks like." Callous seemed disinterested, fiddling with a knife in his hands.

"Fools."

Tempest, meanwhile, was kicking the tree angrily. No one had done anything to satisfy his boredom. He hated them. And he hated being bored. He groaned, flipping over onto his stomach and burying his face into the ground. He continued to groan loudly.

"Would you stop that?" Conqueror snapped.

"But I'm boooooored!"

"If you're that bored why don't you go bother the Lights or something!"

Tempest made a face, but actually considered this. Looking over, he examined the heroes. He frowned when he saw the group gathered. They were actually doing something. He stuck his tongue out at Conqueror, then stood up and stomped over to the group.

-

"What are you all doing?"

Startled, the heroes looked up to see Wind's shadow standing behind them, arms crossed. "Uh... playing Go Fish?" Hyrule answered, too confused to bother being suspicious.

"Why do you care?" Legend questioned.

Tempest groaned in response. "I'm bored and nobody over there is actually doing anything."

The heroes exchanged looks. "Uh..."

"I bet I can beat you at Go Fish."

Everyone's heads whipped aroumd to face Wind, who was staring his shadow down. Tempest narrowed his eyes.

And sat down to join them.

"Deal me in," he said, glaring at Wind. Hyrule nervously glanced at Sky, who shrugged. So Tempest was dealt in. From there on out, the game got a good deal more heated.

"Gimme all your fives, alter-Ornament."

"Dammit," Legend grumbled, handing over two cards.

-

"Is he actually over there playing cards with them?" Eternal looked both incredulous and mildly infuriated.

Callous shrugged. "I suppose he really was bored, if he went seeking entertainment over there."

Conqueror rollled his eyes. "Brat. Hey Tempest! Having fun with the babies?" His yell echoed over that of Noble's and Warriors's. The small Dark turned around, glaring. "I hope they're going easy on you!"

"Why don't you shove your precious scarf down your throat, huh? I could kick your ass at this game!"

Conqueror laughed. "Like I would stoop so low. I won't get involved in some child's game."

Tempest's eyes narrowed. Then he smirked. "Wow, not even going to try? Scared?"

Conqueror froze. "What? No! Why would I be?"

"Because you're a coward."

He whirled around, eyes flashing. "Excuse me? I am not."

"The get over here and prove it, Barbie."

That was the last straw. Conqueror stormed over, and Four had to scramble out of the way to make room for the angry Dark. He sat down with a grunt. Eyes blazing, he held out a hand. "Deal me in."

"Here," said Four, handing him his cards. "I think I'm going to go join Wild with whatever he's doing." No one was really sure what Wild was doing, other than it involved a boomerang and an apple.

And thus began the most heated game of Go Fish in the history of just about ever.

-

After that, somehow or another the other Darks migrated to where the Lights were sitting. Legend, Acidic, Hyrule, Callous, Wind, Tempest and Conqueror were the ones playing cards at this point, though they had switched over to a game called Uno (which was even worse than Go Fish in this case). Shadow watched as Sky carved a figurine of a horse. Four was balancing three apples on his head while Wild took careful aim with a boomerang. Stygian watched the scene with disinterest, and Twilight looked on with concern and Savage in interested entertainment. Time and Eternal were leaning back against a rock, surveying the entire group along with the still arguing Noble and Warriors.

Time sighed as Warriors launched another rant at the same time Tempest yelled at someone for using a draw four. "I'm honestly not sure how much of this I can take."

Eternal was silent for a moment, then reached into his bag. He pulled out a tall bottle of vodka. "I think I'm too sober to put up with these idiots."

Time stared as he pulled out two shot glasses, filling both. This was a bad idea. He wasn't going to drink any of that. For one thing it was his shadow serving it, which meant there was a decent chance he was in danger. For another, it was completely irresponsible.

Then he heard Wind yell something about skips and the sound of something getting hit and Four's yelps, and decided that maybe a couple shots wouldn't hurt.

"Maybe we should have a drinking game." Eternal said, fingering his glads in his hand. "Something with those two over there."

Time considered this. "Take a shot every time Noble calls him a heathen."

"A specific word? That won't get us drunk nearly fast enough."

It was at that moment that Noble chose to screech "You absolute filthy heathen!"

Time smiled. "You sure about that?"

"Fair enough." Eternal downed his shot.

-

It was about three shots in when Twilight wandered over. His eyebrows were furrowed in confusion as he glanced between Time and his shadow. "So...uh, what are you guys doing?"

Eternal glanced up at him. "Drinking game."

Savage, who had followed Twilight over out of boredom, perked up curiously. "What kind?"

"Of alcohol or game?"

"Both."

Eternal held up the bottle. "We're taking a shot of vodka every time Noble says the word 'heathen'."

Savage sat down near Eternal's feet. "Mind if I join in? I could use a drink."

The older Dark reached into his bag for more shot glasses, glancing up at Twilight. "You in as well?"

Twilight knew this wasn't a good idea. He opened his mouth to say no, but stopped. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Wild readying some new hell-game up to play. He was too tired to deal with this. With a sigh, he nodded and held out his hand. Time handed him a shot glass, smiling sympathetically. He sat down next to Savage. "So... what's the game again?"

"Simple: each time Noble yells some variation of the word 'heathen', you take a shot."

"He can't say it that much," Savage said, raising an eyebrow as he settled back to watch the fight.

-

Wind stretched, then began wandering away from the group to stretch his legs. Tempest, who was similarly restless, followed. Those who were still playing cards were discussing what jungle rules to use in the next round.

Wind glanced over at Noble and Warriors, who were somehow still going. "How long until they get done do you think?"

"Only the gods know," Tempest said, shrugging. "Noble won't shut up for hours, so they could still be a while."

"You'd think by now they'd be- what in the name of Hylia is going on over there?"

"What? What are you talking about?" Wind gestured, and Tempest looked up to see where he was pointing to four certain people off to the side.

Twilight and Savage were leaning against each other's backs laughing loudly. Eternal was saying something over them, smirking. Time was reclining slightly, an easy smile playing across his lips.

"Is that what I think it is? In Eternal's hand?" Wind asked.

"Oh my goddesses they're drunk," Tempest murmured in wonderment.

"Holy shit."

"We have to go see this."

"Absolutely."

They quickly jogged over. Time was the first to notice their approach, and smiled at them. "Hello boys. Everything going alright?" Despite the fact that he had clearly been consuming a good amount of alcohol, he seemed to have retained most of his mental faculties.

"Fine," Wind said, doing his best to keep a straight face. "We just wanted to know what you guys were doing."

"Making poor life decisions!" Twilight grinned and raised his glass into the air. Savage laughed, raising his own as well. It was clear that they were both more than a little tipsy at this point.

Eternal chuckled, raising his own glass. "As it turns out, Noble days heathen quite a bit. Perfect drinking game."

Wind nodded. "Okay, cool. Have fun." He started walking away, but Tempest grabbed his wrist, forcing him to stop.

"Hey, wait a minute. I'm super bored and this seems like fun. I say we grab my bottle of rum and join in."

Wind considered this, then shrugged, grinning. "Sure, why not? It's not like we have anything better to do."

Undet normal circumstances, Time and Twilight would most definitely not allow the fourteen year-olds to drink alcohol, especially Wind (despite his having encountered it plenty of times before on his pirate adventures). However, even Time was a little too tipsy to notice that issue. If Eternal noticed the problem, he didn't care.

-

"Oh my Farore, who let the fourteen year-olds have alcohol?"

All heads in the group of card players turned at Hyrule's exclamation. Their eyes were met with the sight of Wind and Tempest laughing with a bottle of what was almost certainly rum.

"Oh my goddesses," Sky murmured, hand hovering over his mouth in horror.

Legend took the scene in. The two weren't the only ones consuming alcohol; there was a party going on over there. He stood up. Hyrule glanced at him, surprised.

"Legend?"

"If they get to do it, so can I." There was no way he was missing out on this opportunity.

"Oh hell yeah." Acidic stood up as well. "Fuck the rules, let's take some shots."

"Wait you guys I really don't think that's a good idea-"

"Nonsense." Callous cut Hyrule off. "It's a fantastic idea. I'm on board with this. Way better than a card game."

"Shit dude, there's booze? Sign me the fuck up." Conqueror too abandoned his cards to stand up.

Sky frowned up at them. "I really don't think this is a good idea..."

However, his opinion went ignored in favor of joining the shots party.

-

Noble and Warriors finally stopped arguing sometime later. They both were gasping for air, vocal chords dry from their yelling match. After a moment, Warriors looked up and realized everyone had moved. He turned around, and his eyebrows shot up. "What the actual fuck happened?"

Noble looked up, glaring, but his eyes widened in surprise when he saw what Warriors was talking about. "I... what all manner of hells?"

They walked up to the group that had gathered, looking over the scene before them. It looked like several people were passed out, most of the others varying states of half-conscious.

"Is that... alcohol?" Noble looked disgusted.

"What the hell did we miss?"

Off to the side, Stygian rolled his eyes. "They all got bored waiting for you morons to finish bitching at each other." The others who were sober, Wild, Shadow, Four, Sky and Hyrule, nodded.

Warriors looked at him incredulously. "So they went and got drunk?"

"Pretty much," Hyrule said.

Noble made a face. "Absolute heathens."

Groans and drunken laughter met this statement. "Take a shot!" Legend cackled.

[paladin-of-nerd-fandom65]

Taking Action

FINALLY. Months of writer’s block and my typing laptop’s battery finally dying, my next chapter in the Mary Grayson Talon story is here. Call this a very late Christmas present for you all. 

Constructive criticism is always welcome.

@lightdusk96 @fireflyxrebel @tarisilmarwen @nightglider124 @robxstar , Thanks for everything, you beautiful bastards 

As the Xenothium factory hummed down below from her rooftop position, The Talon lets a breath that shows itself as a little cloud of fog courtesy of the cold air. Red X was in position, as he signaled bird clad warrior,

“Alright ma’am, I’m rolling up to the front doors.”

“Ok, so far so good. I guess I’ll be making my way around then.”

“Before you do anything though, remind me again how this can put a dent on these Court guys again?

“Easy, the owner of this cooperation is an Owl. I have scared off plenty already but it looks like they’re moving ahead with their little plan and I can’t, I repeat, I CAN NOT risk the Titans or even the candidates for the Mayor get caught in the middle of something I can stop. So letting this one know of what we prove a turning point.”

“How exactly…?”

“In recent years, The Court has been supplying their Talons with Xenothium based weapons, weapons that can pass even through a metal detector without any hassle, in which can only boost their killing power, and bear in mind that power was pretty deadly before I was even there…”

“So take away the big boys’ toys, and they’ll go sulk to their rooms for bed”

“Precisely”, nodded the Talon as she flipped off the last flag pole in her descent from the rooftop and begin making her way to the garbage truck parked outside the Xenothium factory.

As Red X, wearing not his signature suit but rather a simple workers uniform complete with a standard issue cap and convincing fake moustache hanging onto his face, makes his way pushing an entire hand truck’s worth of ‘Xenothium-filled’ barrels into the main entrance, he can’t help but not one puzzling question he has to address before he has to start talking to their workers around him.

“What about Chuckles and his happy little friends?”

As Mary Grayson the Talon knocks out a guard with the bunt end of her knife before dragging his unconscious body to the side, she replies with, “If the Titans or hell even Zucco’s men do take notice and start coming after us, you can get start making a run for the Xenothium and do what you do best.”

“So I’m bait?”

“Bait, who just so happens to have a way out.”

“Oh yeah, there’s you” X chuckles to himself.

Just in time too, for he’s now arrived at the main processing part of the factory itself, numerous machines humming a glorious and thunderous but calm buzz in their atmosphere, the random banging emerging from the top signifying the crushing of individual atoms that give Xenothium its nuclear sting when in use. Next one of these machines, X places one if his four barrels at a spot just close enough but not enough for anyone to take notice as the other barrels next to it are a relatively further distance from the machines. X does this three more times before finally just letting the hand truck go and making his way back to the doors.

“Alright, Ma’am, Phase 1 is a go.”

Mary, now making her way into the factory’s offices towards the owner’s own room, gives a nod and then a reply,

“Ok then, you might want to start dressing up for this party then.”  

Red X couldn’t help but slip a small smirk as he exited the factory since now all it takes is a good signal to get everyone out of the way of what will soon be a firework show on par with that little comic he reads, V for…something, he forgot.

As X made his department into the streets, the Talon had finally reached the door to the owner’s room and to further increase her chances of entering, no guards were present. All she needed now was confirmation of the owner being present inside. Placing her ear on the door, Mary can hear a distinct, rough, almost Russian accent coming through…

“…Yes My Grandmaster. The weapons are almost ready. The night this city shall onto grips will soon come. By this week’s end, the prey of our fierce might will be consumed in the sharp claws of our might. Yes, the Titans will not even know what hits them by the time they even reach…the labyrinth. Those brats will know fear alright. Hail Barbatos.” The phone clicks off as said device was placed on its place. Now was the moment to strike.

With a blazing swiftness, the rouge Talon slips the door open and pins this man, Nikita Jughashvili, onto the wall with some wire sprouting from her knives keep him there. At any minute, she can trigger these wires to discharge a large voltage of electricity onto Nikita’s flesh. But for now, she didn’t want that, at least not yet, for now she wanted to talk.  

“Mr. Jughashvili, I would like to discuss about your business.”

The wealthy man, along a streak of white and grey hair on his sideburns and one glaring brown colored eye with the other just a black orb in its place, just look at his assailant with a bit of shock

before letting it slip into… arrogance out of all things.

“Well, well, well, the golden girl of the Court finally decides to face me directly.”

“Why the smirk, Mister, you do realize of what I can do…”

“Though, I don’t care. Your defection however, intrigues me.”

“How’s that…?” Mary asks, right before being cut off by the sudden whooshing noises right behind her. Next thing she knew, three mores Talons, all in similar uniforms to hers, landed and whipped out their swords. Mary looks back at Mr. Nikita, who now had a nasty smirk growing on his face.

“You did not seriously believe your terrorism against the Court would go unnoticed now did you? Against the power of Gotham’s true fathers, there can be no victory. Do not spoil yourself and your already meaningless life fighting. Reconsider your efforts, simply let me loose from these wires, come upon your knees and say ‘I surrender to my Master with all intent and will forever grovel at his…”

*SLASH*

Nikita Jughashvili had never had a chance to finish his little monologue before Mary Grayson performs a clean yet bloody slice to the disgusting man’s throat, leaving his head to roll to the other Talons’ feet. They took this as their cue to lunge forward with their blades up in front, hoping to impale the rouge right here right now. That decision does not go well as Mary quickly draws her own swords from her back as the battle begins.

In the midst of sword clings and slashes that scratches all four birds, Mary manages to tap unto the communicator on her ear to signal X of the…little side block to their plans.

“Red X, can you hear me?”

“Just strapping on my last and got my handy dandy trigger to distract the…”

“Push that trigger, now!”

“Um…what was that?” Red X asks with a tiny bit of shock.

“It was a step up! They knew what we’re doing!! Check your sides!”

As if on cue, X looks to his left side, narrowly avoiding the sword blade and allowing it to hit the concrete block wall before swinging his leg without his boot on and slamming the Talon right on his head. Oh yeah…classic booby-trap. So one button press later…

Meanwhile…In Downtown Jump

Robin had just secured another tight landing on the neighboring rooftop after about three times in a row of doing such right after a classic grapple hook swing. The patrol had been going on for about three hours by now. Every now and then, a Trade Fed Helicopter would pass by but otherwise no activity had been reported for them. No lead up on his long lost mother, no clue on Slade’s whereabouts, not super criminal robbery, not even a dang small time gang fight. For the most part, the lack of activity both relaxed and infuriated Robin. The normally quiet nights always signaled to him that while having a soothing and calm atmosphere in which he can use to hang out with his friends, something sinister can using this time to plan cunning and damaging schemes that will, not can but will, hurt his friends and the city they’ve defending for years by now.

Both thankfully and regretfully, Robin’s wish for action was fulfilled when a massive explosion both in gunpowder and the red distinctive glow of Xenothium echoed from the Lokiva plant about 10 miles away. Something’s causing trouble, so now he knows who to call.

“Titans, meet me at Lokiva plant, NOW!”

“Roger that!” replied Cyborg

“Understood” replied Starfire

“On my way” replied Beast Boy

“Same here” replied Raven, and finally

“It’ll just take a minute” replied Kid Flash

Two minutes later…Lokiva Xenothium Plant

As all six member of this Titans team land in the outside of the plant, they frankly wish they hadn’t due to the amount of heat generating from the huge fire they see in front of their very eyes. The tall and daunting trees of flame and ash erupting from the building were the stuff of legend in terms of the size of pure destruction they have ever witnessed. On many levels, this flame storm reminds them heavily of Trigon’s ascension onto the mortal plane, and that’s a VERY bad reminding they need.

To their collective relief, fire trucks and police officers were on duty, tending to the numerous workers who’ve escaped and rushing into the towering flames pulling more of those workers out of the fiery maelstrom. That’s where they come. So then, a grand total of thirty minutes and about three back drafts in which would’ve leveled the entire block plus more had it not been for Kid Flash and Cyborg’s quick timing and thinking, and while every civilian was in fact accounted for and safe, now the question becomes very obvious: who started this explosion?

As the firefighters pressed onward dousing the towering flames, the answer became all the more

clear when Robin notices something on the rooftops on top of them all, what seem to be two distinct glowing little lights looking down upon the fire, perching like an owl glaring for its next prey. With an urge to chase down the lights, Robin’s body begins to slightly tense since he knows at the moment that this particular crisis was more apparently than hunting down the Talon. However, the Police Chief running the operation, Chief O Hara, had noticed this anxiousness and walks up to Robin, “We’ll take it from here, whatever you needed for, you can go.”

Robin nearly double takes, ‘But Chief, we can try helping with the…”

But then the good old O Hara places his hand on Robin’s shoulder, “I know the look of when you have something or someone vital to find, sonny. We’ll all be okay.” He finished with s small smirk and a nod

With that, Robin now knows what he and his Team must do and nods too.

“Titans, the firefighters can take it from here. Follow me!”

With that, Mary Grayson begins her chase across the rooftops away from the burning factory. By the time Mary reaches the third rooftop away, the distinct glows of Starfire, Kid Flash, and Cyborg appear rising from edge of the roof she was once on. It was made clear they would indeed follow her until they can get their hands on her. This was precisely what banked on though as she taps until her earpiece, communicating with Red X.

“They’re right behind me and closing,. are you on the spot?”

The feedback had a  tad bit  of static coming through but otherwise fine enough, “Yeah, I’m at the spot. Let me tel you something though, those Talon friends of yours REALLY don’t know the meaning of ‘piss off’”

A small chuckle came from Mary’s end, “Well that’s what they are trained and meant to do. Nut anyways, I’m closing in, stick to the shadows.”

“Gotcha”

The microsecond Mary taps out of her comm link, the distinct yellow lightning of Kid Flash nearly hits her face, indicating a missed punch. With that, she knew where she was now and with one more leap, Mary begins her descent down from her last rooftop and towards the alleyway down below. Barely dodging more of Kid Flash’s attacks and now Starfire’s trademark star bolts as she flips and hops down the building stairs, Mary only now begins to spot some UH 60 Blackhawk helicopters hovering above her and the pursuing Titans, indicating of Boss Zucco’s Trade Federation forces joining in the chase. This quick little speculation was confirmed with  TF troops beginning their own descent via ropes coming out of the Blackhawks.

Finally, the rouge Talon touches the concrete, only to be met on both sides of the alley with opponents she really hadn’t banked on being together. Towards her left were the faceless and well armed TF troopers, all taking aim with apparent now pure shotgun, assault rifle and sub machine gun firepower and red dot lasers out of their aiming sights to ensure accuracy int his nighttime operation. On the opposite end were the Titans, living breathing spirits of strength made into teenage flesh and bone, all led by the one person she considers her dearest love in the whole world. Said love, whipping out his two escrima sticks with tasers at the ends, stared her down as Mary simply stood and stared back.

“Look whatever you are doing has gone far enough” Robin firmly yet loudly enough states with a tad bit a shakiness, “I know what you might be doing might be for the best for me, but the facts are that innocent people are getting hurt and maybe far worse, your little war has turned into full blown terrorist attacks! I-I-I don’t to say it l-l-like that…but you HAVE to stop all of this before more innocents are caught in the…” Robin never had a chance to complete his sentence. Mary simply just raises her hands into the air, dropping her bag unto the ground. Both the TF and Titans were simply…stunned. They didn’t honestly expect that.

They almost certainly didn’t also expect the lone Talon to simply walk up to them, not taking out any of her swords or knives, slightly dropping her hands in front of her, in a submissive position.

“Okay,” the Talon mutters, almost cheerfully, “you can take me in right now.”

“Uh ma’m?” Cyborg questions, his index finger on his left hand rightfully pointing out the swords on her back. Said question was almost immediately answered with the Talon proceeding to unstrap the swords from her, letting them and the belt of throwing knives drop to the ground.

Robin, taking said dropping as his personal cue, puts away his escrima sticks in place of high powered handcuffs. Apparently, his mother wanted them, so why not?

Taking note of the TF troops moving up by a least two steps as they prepare to apprehend his mother, Robin simply raises his hand up,

“We’ve got this.” he says with now absolute firmness behind it.

The troops look at each with expectant questioning looks on their faces. So much questioning so that the lead troop, distinct by his blue/red bandanna underneath his helmet, taps unto his own communicator to talk with the Boss himself. The almost silent atmosphere between the TF and the Titans lasts a grueling one or two more minutes before the lead troop taps his ear piece off.

Beast Boy felt and unnerving sense of what should the right question be at this moment, 'What The freaking hell is actually going on here and what we are doing exactly?!’.

Such a question will have to asked maybe later though, as the lead TF troops signals his squad via

head and hand cues; the Boss said the target was clearly in Titan hands and if we try blowing them away over this, the city officials especially the cops will notice and with all the publicity looking for ANY sort of scandal, big or small, they can use to discredit him, they will use this as their way to do so. Besides if anything, despite his deal with the Court, it’s clear that they weren’t not really so good fellas any and where mostly likely gonna take him out eventually and maybe, just maybe the team he openly bashes in his speeches will be far better as allies at the moment anyways. With the Talon on their hands, maybe they can even get an answer or two out of her without pointlessly torturing her like they would’ve done. So the order was given, “Stand down and just let the kids take the dumb-*ss bird lady anyways.”

With that, the TF begins their climb back up the ropes to their Blackhawks with the last troop to go up giving an unseen glare towards Robin and the Talon before the command of “Come on, Kenny!” from his comrades above in their Blackhawk cue him to take the rope back onto the flying craft.

“So….that was easy.” Kid Flash comments as the Blackhawks fly off and they are left with their bird themed prisoner.

Twenty Minutes Later….Titans Tower Holding Cells…

Mary Elizabeth Llodveski Grayson, now mostly stripped of her Talon gear including her mask and now fitting with most plain clothing that of course exposes her arms, face, and neck of the near grey and blue vein skin albeit with her still shining dark red hair wrapped in a ponytail, takes note of the relatively decent sized but still frustratingly apparent cell being in the shape of an average looking bedroom. More specifically, her own bedroom that she and her late husband John shared during their days as the Flying Graysons, right down to the poster  of their troop on the wall right on top of her bed, the exact same spot she had back at the circus. She guessed her son had some courtesy to make sure she was comfortable in her stay, or rather imprisonment, in their Tower. Not that comfort would matter too much since her mission was accomplished; unbeknownst to both the Titans and the TF at her arrest, Mary had secretly dropped a USB drive unto the ground but at an angle neither side can see it right away. The only one person who knows of this drive was Red X, the politely albeit rough around the edges young man who’ve helped her escape the TF crackdown a few weeks ago and worked with her on covering her assault on one of her targets in this city. By now he should be safe and sound in his secret headquarters (i.e. the Robert Kane slums), USB drive in hand with all the info of what he needs to give the proper warning to both Zucco and most especially her son of what the Court plans to do…

Whoosh

The sliding doors open, revealing a certain red, green and yellow clad vigilante with a black domino mask and steel toed boots as he approaches Mary’s cell door.

“Why did you do it?”

“You mean the surrender part or the destruction of the Xenothium plant? Or even that maiming of that family?”

“All of it and you should know that Mom”

A deep sigh is heard from the other side as Mary gathers her thoughts, “It’s quite easy, Little Robin. A warning. to be specific, the first incident was meant to warn the Court that they will not make their city their own unless they get through me first. The last two things however, were more of their warning to me.”

Robin raises an eyebrow, “What do you mean?”

“Well, i knew it but it’ll be a matter of time before the Court themselves took notice of what was I doing to their members left and right…”

“You mean that little girl whose limbs you shattered and now Mr. Jughashvili’s beheading?”

“And I freely admit my apologies for those two..”

“You better be thankful that we asked the Law and the TF to let us take you into our custody and you’re very lucky you can’t really die again, otherwise given what you’ve done and the type of people after you…”

“It’s okay, it’s okay Little Robin. I understand and frankly I do deserve whatever sort of punishment should be done to me right now and…”

“MOM!” Mary quickly gets stunted into silence.

Realizing his shout, Robin quickly breathes out to collect himself before letting his emotions get the better of him once again. “I’m simply here to ask you about why you surrendered. I can tell there’s something bigger you’re up to and need answers to them.”

“Please mom, you got to work with me here. Whoever’s planning whatever and if it puts innocent lives in grave danger, you HAVE to let us know.”

Mary, knowing of a semi desperation in Robin’s request despite no apparent signs of showing it, looks unto her hands to note, with her streak maiming and killing, it’s quite surprising her morally driven (a fact she’s very proud of) son would demand her the truth without resorting to much more…rougher methods of extracting the information she wants to tell them but couldn’t out of fear for their safety. Given what she knows now and the building pressure in the atmosphere, well might as well spill the beans.

“The Court of Owls are preparing for a certain night. Maybe later this week or even tomorrow, they are readying their finest assassins and soldiers into an all out assault. ”

“What soldiers?”

“Every Talon that’s not me, they’ve probably shipped about at least tens to hundreds of them here from Gotham probably just today. The Lokiva Plant was run by a well member of the Court, secretly crafting and preparing Xenothium  weapons that these Talons can use.”

“For their attack? Mom, what kind of night are talking about here because it sounds like something we should’ve prepared for months by now.”

“They’ve prepared this night, A Night of the Owls, for months actually, a contingency should one of their own turn his back on them as they secret convert this city and its criminal underground into their own. Granted, they never had total control of even Gotham even when you were little, given the amount of villains that hellhole already has…”

“The point?”

“By at least the end of this month from now, a full entire Private Army of assassins like me but without any thought of their own will target ANYONE that can stand in their way of claiming this city as their own.”

“Anyone? As in whoever’s running the city?”

“Along with whoever’s running to take charge like Zucco and especially it’s resident self proclaimed protectors.” Mary finishes somewhat mournfully given who she means with that last statement.

“You mean us.”

“(sniff) Pretty much yes. And it’s all my fault. Had I not thought of you and rebelled. I would’ve made sure none of this happened. I should’ve long dead by now. I should’ve let that fall just finish me off and I could’ve known you were going to be in good hands instead of the Court’s. (sob) God damn it all. (sob) Have could’ve been so God damned stupid?! How could I..?!”

Mary abrupt found herself cut off a sudden tightening around her chest section. Looking around her was the notable red tunic her son wears on duty now wrapped her as his arms were wrapping around her. Mostly one of the Graysons’ trademark 'cool down’ hugs they would give to each other whenever their own goes through emotional distress, like what she was.

As Robin finishes his cool down hug to his mother, his Mama, he quietly steps back outside her cells and gently closes her door before finally collecting himself to speak.

“Whatever comes our way, we’ll take it down. We will not let this city fall as far as we are concerned.”

Mary remains silent in near wonder of her son’s determination that she can clearly her.

“If we can beat a madman who went as far as torturing me on a mental level literally whenever I was in the dark, an entire of school of egotistical kids who want to be criminals or even the Devil himself and save our friends numerous times in the process, we can beat these Talons and this Court. The Court are just enough group of bad guys. They just so happen to be a little grey around the edges.”

“Can you?”

“We will Mom. And once the Court are beaten, no matter what night it’ll be, we’ll find a way.”

Noticing her son’s valiant determination in his little speech, Mary feels something else besides the usual Mother’s Love and pride at work work…something rather more on her mind..something that says to her “Yeah, you didn’t really need to do all of this, but this is your chance to free yourself from these criminals and live a new life outside”…something that says confidence in her future ahead,,,something that let’s her know it’ll work, no matter if it’s the hard way or not, it’ll all work out in the end…something that says…hope.

Yeah..that was it…hope. And her son gave it, of course he would, he is her Little Robin after all.

Epilogue : Robert Kane Slums

As Red X entered his abandoned house/HQ via the secret window, he checks his belts for signs of that dang stick of plastic Mrs. Talon made such a fuss earlier that day to make sure he got once she was taken in by Chuckles and his friends.

Quickly noting the USB drive safe and sound and making his way to his little laptop, X turns on the little computer as he pulls off the skull like mask of his face , letting loose his black hair with a white streak on the front end and his near pale skin, with a notably 'J’ mark on his right cheek so said facial features can breathe in fresh air as the laptop loads.

As the laptop screens finally shows and the USB given by Talon in secret registers, one note file appears, “WARN THEM ALL; ASSEMBLE THE TITANS”. Clicking open the file, X couldn’t find himself both amused and even alarmed of what was being loaded onto his screen.

'Ofelia Garibaldo, City Manager.’ 'Tina Polanski, Jump Public Advocate’ 'Slade Wilson, Criminal Mastermind and Former Mercenary for the League of Shadows and United States Government’ 'Jason Haywood Todd, Local Thief known as the Red X’ The names went on, up to probably a thousand and growing by the time the file was halfway done.

On yeah, this was big. X might not be a hacker or expert of sneaking onto Titans lines by any means…but he knows he has to…given what the birds here are going to do. Better act fast though.

Meanwhile, Jump Civic Authority Party Headquarters, Downtown

“You heard me right guys. I quit.”

“Certainly, you must be joking of such. No single man dares to defile a deal made with us and expect no consequences as a result,”

“Oh I know, I’ll get consequences. I’ll be expecting those birdies or yours to barge in my office and saying the usual 'The Court has sentenced to die’ shtick maybe while I’m doing some paperwork or listening to ave maria while trying to perform urinating in my toilet upside down out of boredom on the day you’re ready. Frankly, I can’t even give a damn if I try with sincerity.” Zucco states as his cigar smoke reaches the ceiling fan as the hologram call from the masked Owl glares him down as if he was on spot, given said hologram showing the man in his appropriate size when faced for real.

“You shall pay for this defiance.’

"I paid for plenty in my life, Paid for stuff i didn’t even do. The fact of the matter is that I didn’t get your Talon and you probably going to take me out once I was elected anyways. The deal was off the minute she got away from my boys twice by now. So yeah, bottom line is, it’s off and you better have enough Talons to try to get me when this 'Night’ thingie blows over. IF push comes to shove, I’ll fight alright. Screw you guys, I’m staying at my new home.”

“YOU WILL-”

“Ah ,ah. Screw you guys.”

Thus Zucco hangs up and the Owl’s hologram fades out.

“Come and get me. I dare you”

[robinhoodrevisited]

Agreements & Betrayals (pt.5)

Sherwood Forest. Near Dead Man’s Crossing. (Isabella runs, then ducks behind a thick tree, breathing heavily. She hears a twig snap close behind her. She quiets her breathing, pulls up her skirt and takes a knife from a small belt tied around her thigh. She slowly slides around the tree, then suddenly stabs out with the knife. Robin catches her arm and faces her with a stern look.) Isabella: (Relieved:) “Robin... (Robin presses the inside of her wrist to make her drop the knife. He watches it as it falls from her hand to the ground.) Oh, thank God.” (Isabella throws her arms around Robin’s neck. He loosely puts his arms around her waist and lets her hold him.) Robin: “Are you all right?” (Isabella nods and lets go.) Isabella: “Despite being betrayed by a friend, yes.” Robin: “Vaisey is no one’s friend. Now maybe you realise that finally. My gang and I have been working on your behalf to make sure you remain sheriff. I assume our efforts won’t go unnoticed?” Isabella: (Nods:) “Yes, of course. (Robin shifts his feet, his look still stern, deciding if he can trust her.) I think we can work together. I’ve always known it and I think you do, too.” Robin: (Purses his lips, then nods slightly.) “Marian trusts you, so it’s a deal.” Isabella: “You won’t regret this. How can I repay you?” Robin: “Well, you can start by handing over the gold... tomorrow, at Knight’s Glade.“ Isabella: “But... I need it to win the contest.” Robin: “Only if Vaisey manages to collect more than you. And I’m not going to let that happen.” Isabella: (Thinks:) “Of course. You must give it back to the people. It’s theirs, after all.“ Robin: “Good.” Sheriff: (Getting closer:) “Isabella, come out, come out wherever you are!” (Little John and Will turn towards the voice, pulling their weapons ready.) Robin: “John, escort the Sheriff back to her castle.” (Little John makes a silent look of disbelief as Djaq, Much and Will disappear into the trees.) Isabella: (Quietly:) “Thank you.” (Little John stomps past her, clearly unhappy with his assignment.) Little John: (Gruffly:) “This way.” (Robin leans on the tree and Isabella follows Little John.) Powis Castle. Great Hall. Wales. (Clarke enters the hall to find Lexa speaking with the Nightbloods. The Commander sits upon her throne as the Nightbloods sit at her feet below the dais.) Lexa: "What are the three pillars of being Commander?" (The words 'Wisdom', 'Compassion' and 'Strength' are uttered among the Nightbloods in answer.) Clarke: (Whispering to Titus:) "Talk her out of it yet?" Titus: "No. But maybe you can."

Clarke: "I don't understand. The Queen's not fighting, why should she?" Titus: "The Queen's strength is not in doubt. Thanks to her deal with Prince John, Lexa's is." Lexa: (To the group:) "Train hard and remember, you are each worthy of your Nightblood." Titus: (Stepping forward:) "Nightbloods.” (Claps and indicates for them to follow him.) Lexa: "Aden. (A young boy turns.) Stay. Clarke, (Clarke walks over.) this is Aden. Aden is the most promising of my novitiates. If I should die today, he will likely succeed me. (Clarke cannot hide the worried look on her face. to Aden:) Clarke worries about her people. Tell her what will happen to them when you become Heda, Aden." Aden: "If I become Heda, I pledge my loyalty to the thirteenth Clan." Lexa: "Thank you. Now go join the others. (Aden bows and leaves the room. Clarke turns to watch him leave.) See? (Clarke turns back around. With a smile:) Nothing to worry about." Clarke: "I'm sorry if I'm worried the fate of the coalition lies in the hands of a child." Lexa: "Then you worry for nothing. I've sent Indra with a division of warriors to collect your friends and bring them here. Your people are protected, as I vowed they would be.” Clarke: "You’re bringing Robin and his gang here?” Lexa: “I’ve instructed Indra to tell them you sent for them. It seemed prudent, given that their opinion of me is likely to reflect your own.” Clarke: “And if they refuse?” Lexa: (Regards Clarke a moment:) “They will be brought here for their own safety.” (Turns and moves towards the throne.) Clarke: (Following:) “My friends can look after themselves. It’s you I’m concerned about right now. (Lexa stops and faces Clarke at this:) You don't stand a chance against Roan." Lexa: (Indignant:) "You've never seen me fight." Clarke: "No, but I saw him kill three men in the time it took the first one to hit the ground." Lexa: (Shakes her head:) "If you're right, today is the day my spirit will choose its successor, and you need to accept that." Clarke: (Leaning close to the Commander:) "Like hell I do." (Clarke turns and strides out of the Hall as Lexa coolly seats herself upon the Commander's throne.)

Nottingham Castle. Dungeons. (Isabella comes down with Sir Jasper and two guards.) Isabella: “Release her.” (Meg stands.) Meg: “Isabella, you’re back.” Isabella: “Meg!” Meg: “Thank goodness.” (The guard unlocks Meg’s cuffs. Gisborne sits at the bars separating them, his hands gripping the iron.) Jasper: “I’m not so sure your brother will feel the same. (Leans down to speak to Gisborne:) You’re for the chop, my friend.” (Isabella glances at Guy, unsure of how she will be able to free him. Taking Meg’s arm, she begins to walk away. Gisborne watches Meg with a look of sadness in his eyes.) Meg: “Won’t you release Guy, too?” (Isabella turns to Meg.) Jasper: (Scoffs:) “What? Are you mad? He’s our enemy.” Meg: (Looks plaintively at Guy.) “But...” Isabella: (Squeezing Meg’s hand:) “He betrayed Prince John, Meg. There’s nothing I can do.” (Isabella gives Meg a meaningful look and almost imperceptibly nods towards Sir Jasper as if to say ‘Not while he’s around.’ Gisborne glances down, but the fact Meg wants him released clearly moves him.) Jasper: “You sill girl. A few hours in a cell with a cold-hearted killer and you lose your wits.” (Gisborne takes a last look at Meg.) Isabella: “My brother will get exactly what he deserves. Now come on.” (Isabella glances at Gisborne, then pulls Meg behind her. Meg looks back at Gisborne, who lowers his eyes, sinking back into his depression.)

Powis Castle. Courtyard. (Prince Roan, accompanied by his mother Queen Nia is being led out into the courtyard by guards.) Queen Nia: "Focus, Roan. You're here to practice. Remember, anticipate her reflexes. When you feel overconfident, you forget that your enemy has strengths, too.” Roan: "I don't need your help." Queen Nia: "You're upset that I chose you?" Roan: "I'm not surprised." Queen Nia: "When you kill Lexa, your banishment will be over. In the wake of your victory, our people will be more powerful than ever. That will be your legacy and your legend." Roan: "Don't pretend you do anything for me, Mother." Queen Nia: "You're right. Everything I do is for Ireland. What's good for Ireland is good for you. (To her second:) My sword. (The second steps forward and presents the Queen with her sword as a guard uncuffs the Prince. Presenting the weapon to her son:) If you won't fight for your mother or your queen, fight for your clan. (Roan pulls the sword from the scabbard and inspects it.) I want her head." (The Queen walks away, leaving Roan alone to practice. Spinning the sword a few times in his hand he turns suddenly and points the weapon towards a hooded figure.) Roan: "What do you want?" Clarke: (Lifting her hood and raising her head:) "We need to talk." Roan: "We have nothing to talk about. (Lowers the sword and turns away:) I need to prepare." Clarke: "I didn't tell Lexa you gave me the knife. That at least earns me a moment of your time. (Roan raises an eyebrow but does not speak:) This is what your mother wanted all along." Roan: (Turning back to her:) "What do you want? Spit it out." Clarke: "I want you to become the king. I know you've thought of it. She was willing to let you die, willing to let you be banished. I know you just want to go home." Roan: "When I win today, I will." Clarke: "For how long? How long until your mother finds another reason to cast you out, to sacrifice you? No one can cast a king out of his kingdom." Roan: "I can't do it... My people would never take me back... (Clarke begins to turn away:) but... (Clarke looks at him:) I can help you do it."

Sherwood Forest. Night. (The Sheriff and four guards with torches walk down the road.) Sheriff: “Isabella!” (They encounter a cross made with flat, white stones in the middle of their path.) Guard: “I don’t like the look of this. You shouldn’t have touched that burial mound.” Sheriff: “Superstitious peasant! (The Sheriff kicks a rock near the centre out of place. Suddenly, a swarm of bats fly at them. The guards try to swat them away, scared.) They’re just bats! (Two guards run away.) Get back here, you cowards!” (The Sheriff hears a horse whinny behind him. A figure in a black cloak, face hidden in the hood, on a white horse gallops up and stops.) Will: “You have disturbed the dead!” (The horses neighs and rears. The last two guards run off.) Guard: “Somebody help me! Help!” Sheriff: “Come back!” Will: “You invoked the Viking curse! You’ll be visited by suffering, madness and death!” (Robin quietly stands behind The Sheriff.) Robin: “Playing with the devil. (The Sheriff looks behind him. Robin draws his bow back.) Big mistake, Vaisey.” Nottingham Castle. Dungeons. (Meg comes down the stairs with a plate of food and a cup. She stops at the bottom, then moves forward to Gisborne’s cell. She sets down the plate and cup outside the bars where Gisborne is sitting. He looks forlornly up at her.) Gisborne: (Quietly:) “Thank you. (Shakes his head.) But no.” Meg: “You must eat... f—for me. It’s the least that I can do.” Gisborne: (Honestly:) “You’ve done more than enough.” Meg: (Starts to cry:) “I haven’t done anything.” Gisborne: (Nods slightly.) “You have. You made me think.” Meg: “About what?” Gisborne: “About... someone I know. She sees good where there is none. She made me a better man.” Meg: “What happened?” Gisborne: (Silent a moment before answering. Quietly:) “She loves another man. She lied and deceived me all for her love for another. (Voice breaking a bit:) She does not love me, nor do I think she ever did. But despite all of that, she changed me.” (Meg tries to hold back her tears.) Meg: “Well, it’s her loss if you ask me.” Gisborne: (Smiles:) “G—... Go on.” (Meg stands, gazes at him a moment, then leaves. Gisborne hangs his head.) Sherwood Forest. (Will, at the head, and Much carry a bound and gagged Sheriff into a small caged cart. Vaisey yells behind his gag.) Will: (to cart driver:) “We found him in the forest, babbling something about Viking ghosts. (Will stands over The Sheriff.) He needs to be locked up.” Much: (Stands at the back.) “Yep, madhouse is the best place for him.” Djaq: “He’s a danger to himself and the people around him.” (Will gives a smug look to Djaq and gets out. Vaisey struggles and yells.) Will: “And if he mentions something about being Sheriff of Nottingham, just pay no attention.“ (Vaisey looks back at the driver and yells. Much closes the door and latches it.) Much: “He was the Queen of Sheba last week.” (Much steps away and Robin comes up.) Robin: “Nottingham’s well rid of you, Vaisey. And don’t even think of coming back. (The cart driver turns around to watch.) Because if you do, your next destination won’t be an asylum... (Vaisey yells.) ...but where you really belong... hell.“ (Robin taps the cart and nods. The cart drives off with Vaisey still screaming in back.)

Nottingham Castle. Sheriff’s quarters. (Isabella gives instructions to two guards. Behind her, more guards unpack the treasure and Meg stands watching her.) Jasper: (Fondling a few coins:) “Well, since there’s been no sign of Vaisey and the day is almost out, I think the title of Sheriff is yours, my lady.” Isabella: (Takes a seat at her desk:) “You truly think so?” Jasper: (Nods:) “Especially now you’ve got some gold to show the Prince. The challenge was very specific: The winner will be the one who has captured the most outlaws and gold. Just one or the other wouldn’t have sufficed.” Isabella: (Conversationally:) “What would’ve happened in that case I wonder?” Jasper: (Shakes his head:) “I couldn’t say. Nothing good, I’d imagine.” (Meg comes over, pretending to look at the jewellery in a chest on the edge of the table. As Sir Jasper and Isabella continue talking, Meg eyes the keys lying next to the chest, then silently takes the keys off the table when Isabella turns her head away to think. Isabella smiles up at Meg, but she has disappeared. She quickly glances at the table and sees the keys are gone, too. She frowns slightly, then realises Meg’s intent. She stands and hurries out.) Nottingham Castle. Dungeons. (Meg comes downstairs, checking for guards. She rushes to Gisborne and unlocks his cell.) Gisborne: “Meg? (Meg opens the door and kneels down to unlock Gisborne’s shackles.) What are you doing?” Meg: “I can’t let her kill you. I just can’t.” Gisborne: (Touched:) “You’d do this for me? (Meg smiles. Gisborne grabs a bar and pulls himself up, then takes Meg’s hand and strokes her cheek lovingly. They stare into each other’s eyes.) Thank you.” (Smiles.)

(Isabella stands at the foot of the stairs, watching. Sir Jasper beside her.) Jasper: “Well, this is touching.” Gisborne: “Go! (Gisborne pushes Meg forward and they start to run to the stairs, but Isabella catches Meg and, as Sir Jasper snaps his fingers, two guards with swords jump out to confront Gisborne.) She didn’t know what she was doing!” Isabella: “Oh, yes she did! (to Meg:) How could you? I set you free and this is how you repay me?” Meg: “We’re not the same! I try to do things out of love. You’re doing this out of hate!” Isabella: (Eyes deliriously wide:) “How dare you?! I suppose I should be grateful. Now I know the only person I can trust is myself. I’m on my own!” (Isabella shoves Meg at the guards. One stays with Gisborne; the other takes Meg.) Meg: “You put yourself there, Isabella.” Isabella: (Raging, pointing at her brother:) “He put me there when he sold me into a loveless marriage! (Meg and Gisborne stare at Isabella, who steps forward.) So, if you two lovebirds want to be together... that’s fine. You shall. You’ll both die.“ (Meg can only choke on the air and she puts her hand to her throat as the guards steer them away. Sir Jasper smirks and watches Isabella a moment. As she stands there staring at nothing in particular we can only wonder what’s going through her mind. Whatever it is, she is clearly shaken by the days events. )

[sulfurwrites74]

Dragon

Eighteen years of planning and preparation, ruthless training and days spent running, masters, and guides who came and went; No one thought I could do it. But now, after all this time, I stand just outside of The Beast's lair.

My heavy claymore rests on my hip, my wooden longbow is strung across my back. I have four daggers strapped to my legs, and a fifth hidden in my boot.

Grabbing the cross around my neck, I take a breath and walk into the cave.

As I continue to move deeper into the cavern, all light that may have been able to creep into the stony hall vanishes, and I am left alone in the dark. I am smarter than lighting a torch and rely on my sense of smell and sound to guide me.

I hear my own boots move lightly across the floors. My breathing is deep but unsteady. No matter how intensely I may have trained for this moment, I am still human, and I still fear. I can hear water drops falling from the ceiling of the cave to the ground. I imagine my heart beating in tune with them.

Drip, bump. Drip, bump. Drip, bump.

I smell wet rock and rich minerals. If I concentrate very strongly, I can distinguish hot coals and a new flame.

My mother used to say to me that training was pointless. That any effort I put into my quest would quickly be discarded in the face of The Beast. My father spoke similarly, saying that no matter how hard I tried I would never be good enough to defeat it. Their pessimistic judgments never fail to fall deaf on my ears. If anything, they only fueled my passions.

Every time a warrior sent out to destroy The Beast, it would control them and send them back to the village to spread hoaxes about its innocence. No matter how many people tried to bring the person back to their senses, whether it be family, friends, mentors, even the priest, the fallen warrior was never able to return back to their normal self.

My good friend was one of them. He was determined to put an end to The Beast once and for all but returned only to sing praise for the monster that rotted his mind and independence. I attended his execution as his last hope. I spoke to him below the gallows and pleaded with him to come back to us, but he only stood screaming of the injustice we were doing to him and The Beast.

I had to look away as the executioner pulled the lever.

I have seen far too many good people fall victim to this terrible demon and I no longer

wish to stand by and watch. I will put an end to this devil's reign once and for all.

Up ahead, I see firelight coming out of an aperture in the cave wall. I crouch, and slowly creep towards the opening. As I come closer, I hear The Beast's roars.

Finally, this bloodthirsty villain will fall. I pull my claymore out of its sheath and charge into the room.

Raising my sword high above my head, I slice downward at The Beast aiming for the neck, but it's too fast. It scrambles away from its alter on its hands and knees, screaming in fear.

For a moment, I am confused. I look directly at The Beast, deep into its eyes, and find my own. It is afraid. I see no glint of evil in its image, only a strong will to live.

It seems almost, human.

I quickly shook the thought from my head. Nothing about this monster is humane.

"Beast!" I bellow into the dark chamber, "Your demonic rule of fear over our village is over. Prepare to meet your doom!" Once again, I charge, this time ready to twist the blade into the direction The Beats attempts to escape in.

As my sword swings to meet its leg, it somehow deflects the blade with a small decorative knife.

The monster's athame only a few inches longer than its hand, and the blade is made of carved stone, but my claymore still bounces off of it with great force. The knife must have a curse on it.

"Wait stop!" The Beast cries as I raise my sword once again. It puts its hands out, palms up in surrender, and I raise my brow in confusion.

What is it doing? I think. I've heard the legends of this ruthless monster. "It can kill in seconds" they would say. So why isn't it fighting back?

"Please! I don't want to fight!" I can see tears beginning to well up in its eyes. Suddenly, I feel a shift in heart.

Oh no, I think. What have I done?

"What are you?" I whisper very quietly to this curious creature, careful not to startle it.

"My name is Nimue," She begins very softly. "And I am no monster, I promise!"

"Then what are you?" I ask, raising my sword back up again pointing its tip at her chest.

"I'm just..." She hesitates, "I don't know!" All of a sudden, she becomes angry. Glaring at me, she rises back to her feet and walks over to her alter.

"I'm sick, okay?" She slams her hands on the table and turns her head over her shoulder to look at me, "I'm sick and tired of everyone treating me like some freak!"

I am surprised by her outburst. She seems nothing like the tales told of her. An evil witch, a Draconic Wiccan friend who holds herself above all others. When I see this said to be an awful thing, she seems only scared and misunderstood.

"I don't understand," I begin, lowering my sword and carefully stepping closer. "Why do you hide then? If you mean no harm to anyone why do you isolate yourself from the land?"

"Why do you think?" She has seemed to calm down now. I can see she is right though, she's tired.

I began nodding my head as I slowly understand her point of view. "You don't want to, do you?' I close my eyes as I speak and try to imagine a world closed off from all other intelligent beings. "They- we made you an outcast."

She doesn't answer, she only nods her head.

I sit down with her and she explains to me the story of her people. She lived with her parents in my village, but when she was very young the Church began their crusades to rid the land of sin. Her family was forced out because of their craft, her parents died in the forest a year later and she's been alone ever since.

"I promise you your injustice will not go unnoticed," I say to her as I exit the cave.

"Don't make promises you don't intend to keep." She whispers in response. And with that, I leave.

I never used to understand how the beast was able to change my friend's mind about something he felt so passionately about, but now I do.

Nimue is just a regular commoner whose common life was stripped away from her along with her only family. My new mission, the one I should have had all along, is now to make my people see how wrong they are about her. Even if I die trying.