|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sun Aug 11, 2013 9:14 am
It had begun so simply. The Goblin King steals a small boy at the elder sister's request, only to have her fight through his maze and kingdom to get the child back. The deeds and adventure over normal life for both would resume despite the uneasiness that remained between the two. Years to pass and yet again a sibling taken by goblins only to end up helping the Goblin king and find a new threat.
A threat to extinguish all light and goodness in to worlds of both mortal and immortal alike, the Labyrinth being the battlegrounds, the space between. The battle took many years and a toll on both. The light all but lost but there is a glimmer as dawn still rises each morning, a threat to the darkness that seeks it endlessly, though knows not what has kept it alive.
And so the next chapter begins at the end of the last...
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Aug 24, 2013 2:56 pm
Over the years the three were thick as thieves, and most thought they could very well be such. The adoption home while not the greatest place served to keep them protected from forces searching them, and despite the use of their mother's name. Who knew there would be a dozen or so with the same name? Or even more foolish who would still use it?
When they arrived the twins knew what had happened, and knew they must stick with each other, though convincing the adoption center was another story. Most only wanted babies, to which they fought to keep their brother, and won by simply running away to retrieve him. It barely worked but did in the end, the twins growing a bit harder each passing year. These weren't their parents and most only wanted one or two of them.
Over time their memories blurred despite their younger sibling's questions of their family. They tried but soon it had been too long to even remember what their parent's looked or sounded like, or how they even were left. It wouldn't stop them, eventually gathering their own personalities. Kiera at the age of ten decided she didn't want to look like her twin anymore, she wanted independence and refused to be dressed in a similar fashion. She started with chalks to color her hair, much to the home's dislike. Arthur kept to some books and fighting with wooden swords or fighting pirates in the tree house with his younger brother, not much caring what their sister did, she was a girl after all.
Time would soon come from their last bout of running before they would announce the closing of the home before mid year. It now became a problem knowing not all homes could handle the load of extra children, and it was never a question to be separated. Being eighteen the twins had little say knowing within the year or during this change they would be forced out, but Ben being younger wouldn't be able to leave with them.
He had entered the office placing the coffee and reports for his employer to their desk. "Morning Mr. Xanatos, the morning reports as usual. Some old business and some new." He would let him go over the forms and reports seeing the video of the previous night on the screens. "It seems the gargoyles are becoming more relaxed once more being here, although I am sure that has something to do with Ms. Mazda's visits." He'd let him finish the reports before handing another to him. A file he'd been keeping for the right time. "This is not your usual business but you had asked me to come up with a harmless plan to boost your ratings with the general populace. There's an orphanage home about to be demolished for a new highway, most of the children, many are siblings will be sent to other homes naturally but most are siblings and the two homes willing to take the load of more is either the Weston home for girls, or the Bradley home for boys, so I imagine most will be split up." He'd let that sink a bit before continuing. "A charitable donation I'm sure would save this home thus preventing this from occurring. It would also be well received by he public, as well as a nice tax write off. I can arrange it all, and have at least one appearance or two, to show you're seriousness to the homeless children of the city. The public appearances will only solidify the good deed you've done with the public."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2013 2:05 pm
Xanatos listened to Owen, his personal assistant, as he walked in the room. Xanatos was a rather unique character. He was a very wealthy person, and could buy almost anything he wanted. However, his smug looks and kind-looking face once hid an agenda that tried to cause more harm than good. However, he had recently decided against these desires for world-domination. Instead, he wanted to try and regain his reputation as a humanitarian, and spend more time with his new family. "An orphanage, you say? Well, I suppose it would be a bad example to just allow these children to be torn from each other, or let them wander the streets. Very well. Draw the papers up for a generous donation. Then later, call a news conference for a photo shoot. It's not enough to do good. You have to be seen doing good." Xanatos would let Owen retreat to do what needed to be done. He knew, though, that Owen was really Puck, an immortal from another realm, and the son of the ruler of the immortals, Oberon. He often wondered why he chose to stay in this realm, but as long as he chose to serve under his employ, Xanatos didn't really mind. Besides that, he had to get ready for the conference, and try to make a heartwarming speech to show how much he cared about the indigent children in this city.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2013 2:31 pm
He nodded taking the folder back and headed off to begin crunching the numbers. With this taken care of he knew the warning from his sister about his employer could work to their advantage. He reviewed all the paperwork before finalizing it and calling up the home with the 'Good news' about a generous donation being wired to their account to cover the costs for upkeep and to keep it closed. He also pulled the strings to those who wanted it torn down to build another route around the home so it would still be safe. Once all of those matters were attended he went about contacting a local press company with an anonymous tip as to his employer's acts, and a random visit to the home for a good story. He knew well over the years the tact his employer used and almost enjoyed it as much as he had magic at one time. "Things are set sister. I hope you're right about this." He muttered to himself.
Kiera woke hearing the bell ring, though noted it was still far from light outside. She groaned wanting to sleep though knew this was probably more bad news. She soon headed from the room seeing her brothers as well and gathered with the rest to the house matron.
"Children, teens, come come, I know it's late and this is most unusual, but we've been saved! The home is staying open! Non of you will have to be split up, unless of course someone adopts you, but I just spoke with a representative from Xanatos industries, he heard of our story and donated to keep us going."
Arthur woke hearing the bell and groaned. He hated midnight gatherings, especially when he'd only gotten to sleep less than an hour ago. He threw a pillow at his brother to wake him before heading out. He noted his twin, looking like she usually did when woken abruptly and kept a bit of distance. Girls weren't scary to him in the least, but she could be. He turned listening to the house matron and looked to his siblings. "Finally some good news." When she mentioned the company though he had to wonder. "Wait, isn't that the place with the obnoxiously huge tower? Doesn't the news consider him a bad person? Why would he help a bunch of kids without parents?"
"Arthur chill out. He wants to donate to keep this place open, let him. It keeps us together doesn't it? Do you want to go to an all boys home? Cause I don't want to go to that girls one. I read up on it, they make you all proper and such, without the richie benefits." She looked to her brother, though without her usual contacts they were the same green and blue as his.
"While that is what the news says he also has his own family, and who knows perhaps not as bad as the news says. Please children, he's coming for a visit to personally ensure we have enough and to meet some of you. Please, please, please be on your best behavior and appearances. He's going to have a small discussion presentation so again, behave or else! You can go back to bed now."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2013 3:06 pm
Ben woke abruptly, having a pillow hurled at him. He jumped up, like he was being attacked, then looked around. The bell for meetings was sounded, and the house matron was speaking. He looked to his brother and sister, a couple of years older than himself, and then yawned. "You know, Arthur, you're mean sometimes." He woke more, and sat on the edge of his bed. He looked at his brother and sister, and wondered how he could ever be from the same gene pool as these two. He listened to the matron, hearing vaguely about someone named Xanatos, and that he was coming to visit. But what did catch his attention was the fact that the home was getting help, and not going to close down! "That's good! Now we won't be split up, huh?" He smiled, half asleep still. but when the matron left and told them they could all go back to sleep, he did so without any hesitation, nearly falling back into slumber before the lights were out. "And I was having such a good dream... pretty horses..." He mumbled something like that as he passed out again.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2013 4:09 pm
Arthur looked to his brother nodding at his random excitement. As they headed back to their rooms he would shake his head. "I don't get it, How is he straight? I mean seriously he's always got a happy disposition and dreams of horses?" It was a joke but he did wonder at times the sanity of their younger brother. A light punch to his shoulder from his sister made him shake his head. "Whatever princess, go get your beauty sleep so the ugly monster doesn't show again." He smiled seeing her expression and blocked a hit she sent at him.
She listened to Arthur though shrugged before the end of his comment. She thought on it some and punched his shoulder lightly. "Be nice, he is our younger brother, he can't help it. It's not like he's done a lot of work like us to keep together." She would scowl though as he called her princess. "I've told you a dozen times Arthur, don't call me princess!" She threw a hit at him though knew he'd block it. "Just go to bed." With that she went to her room slamming the door. She could hear his chuckles and only scowled. Though looking to her bed began wishing she had dreams like their younger brother. all she seemed to have were nightmares, and she knew Arthur was the same by how he seemed most mornings. thankfully Ben seemed always oblivious to this, they'd gotten good at pretending nothing was wrong. Soon she went to her bed sighing before falling asleep.
Arthur let his twin be calling her such just to get her riled up. As he went back to his own room Ben was already fast asleep. He shook his head with a sigh before turning in. Nightmares were becoming daily for him, though he wouldn't show. Soon it wouldn't matter as sleep finally took him.
Owen sat in the limo as the morning was still early and only a few items on their list to do had been completed. He was making plans and meetings on his datapad while his boss looked to the window. "I moved your four o'clock meeting till next Tuesday, Bridget, the one you were supposed to meet has notified she's taking a few sick days. That leaves us more time for the press at the orphanage meet after your next board meeting." He would pause before beginning some more news. "In other events, Mrs. Dominique Destine is getting more aggressive in her slanders against your company, and pushing your contractors to their limit. I believe she's responsible for some of the damage at the job sites and labs but unfortunately it's just speculation as of the moment. I have a team attempting to piece together her involvement. With the threats they're slinging I would advise on caution. As such, your suit is in the trunk, and I had the lab provide the courtesy of adding that button on your cuff to call it if needed."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2013 7:34 pm
Xanatos would listen to Owen as he made his morning reports. He was glad he was so good at taking care of his schedule. "More time? Well, if you think it will help my view with the people. I tell you, it's getting hard to keep my old dirty business out of the paper. As for Mrs. Desmond, she can wreak all the havoc she wants, but it still won't stop my companies from completing their deadlines." Xanatos was wary of Mrs. Desmond. He was wondering why she would be causing so much trouble for him, now of all times, knowing he was trying to turn his life around. "Owen. After this press meet, clear my schedule. I want to spend some time with my wife and child." He watched Owen nod, and he then closed his eyes, trying not to doze off. He had to admit, that raising a family was a lot more enjoyable than trying to take over New York.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2013 7:53 pm
Kiera woke early as the sun rose knowing she had some time before the wake-up bell would ring. She sighed bringing a hand to her face as she had sat up trying to wipe the sleep and her dream away. This was not going to be a good morning. She couldn't explain why she felt that way, but it was there and one thing she had learned was to trust her instincts. She soon moved getting dressed before looking to the still blonde hair from the night before. She scowled a bit before pulling out her coloring deciding today would be a blue-green day. Once done she'd blowdry it and finish just as the bell rang. She smiled soon putting on her makeup before heading out to the dining hall for breakfast.
Arthur groaned mentally as the bell for wake up rang and turned in his bed, pillow tightly around his head to drown it out. Mornings were never his friend, though preferred the waking to the dream world. He soon sighed with defeat and began getting ready for the day seeing the same from Ben. "Come on, you know the princess will be upset if we miss breakfast." It was a joke granted but still felt odd when he poked fun with that term. But it was the same her retorting that neither he nor Ben were prince charmings. He made his way to the dining hall spotting her after a minute and took up a seat near her. "I see we're sporting our colors today. You forgot your contacts." He saw her expression and simply gave her a cheesy grin. As they ate they were quiet but he didn't like the silence. "Sooo, that Xanatos guy is supposed to do a spiel here today. Any thoughts of how boring it's going to be?"
He looked up from the datapad as Xanatos spoke and nodded. "As always I will see it done." He re-arranged a few things despite being secretly happy on the change of events. He had already, and usually did, anticipate this request as it was becoming more frequent. "All set Sir. Shall I send a message to Fox and Alex to meet somewhere for lunch? Or would you prefer the chefs cook up something?" He looked out the window as the limo stopped and realized they were there. Nearly sixteen years since he had seen them and prayed, despite his growing excitement, that they wouldn't know him in this form. "I can wait on that answer. It seemes only one or two press vehicles are awaiting, But I believe the head of the house is planning to have you speak to the children in the main gathering hall." He would exit the limo awaiting his employer. If he were his normal self he would be jumping and floating about. He paused momentarily scratching the skin that joined the stone of his hand before continuing.He looked ahead seeing the head Mistress and nodded. "Mrs, Janes, this is Mr. David Xanatos,t he benefactor of the donation." He would turn back to his employer giving another nod. "If you don't mind, I'm going to make sure the Hall is set up properly for you." and with that headed in.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2013 8:31 pm
Ben woke, hearing the bell. He knew it was time to get up, but still felt like he could sleep for a few more minutes. However, hearing his brother's moaning about having to get up woke him up more. "Man, you always sound like you just went ten rounds with some kind of monster when you wake up." He would flinch, expecting a tap on the arm, but opened his eyes slowly when he didn't receive one. The two brothers would get ready for breakfast, and then head down to the dining hall after making their beds. When they made it, and sat next to their sister, he dug in, grabbing some toast and cereal. "I don't know. I think this might actually be fun, today. Don't ask me why, but I am looking forward to today." He happily began to nod his head, eating his raisin bran cereal.
Xanatos was about to answer his assistant, but they had just pulled up to the main entrance of the orphanage. "Yes, I will reply to that later. Come. Let's try to bring some smiles to these children." He stepped out of his limo, and walked up the stairs, smiling for the couple of reporters that took a snapshot. As Owen introduced the pair, Xanatos reached out his hand. "Greetings, Mrs. Janes. Thank you for having me here to speak to your children. I hope what I have to say will cheer up, and inspire them." He was lead into the house where he would prepare to speak.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 12:44 pm
Owen went about the main hall seeing it used for a cafeteria of sorts. He got onto the small staging and began setting it up with what they had to work with. He could have easily gotten a full set up for his employer burt felt it would seem ill received. He did glance a bit as if looking for signs of employer, but was really looking at those about. He soon spotted three tthat stood out, even bound and grown he knew them. Now that he had seen him he noted a few of the older male teens begin clearing and moving empty tables and chairs for their event.Kiera looked to her optamistic brother and shrugged. "Wish I could share the feeling. The day doesn't feel right, not with the events but in general." She would finish eating before cleaning her area then returning. Arthur listened not sure what he thought. He shook his head to his brother thinking like his twin. He had learned to trust her instincts though and went into his cautious mode. "Ben you think everyday is a good day." He finished with them before helping to clear things away.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 1:25 pm
Ben would grow slightly sullen. "It's not my fault I see the good in everything. But, if Kiera says something's not right, I guess we better listen to her." He also, like his brother, learned to trust their sister's instincts. He helped to clear the table, then looked up to the stage, for some reason, where a stranger with short blonde hair was preparing it. "Hey, guys? Who the heck is that?" He pointed at the man. He was kind of put off by him. "Is he one of this Xanatos guy's lackeys?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 2:22 pm
He looked to where his brother pointed and shrugged. "More tha likely. Though his hand seems all messed up. Maybe he got a good look at medusa?" He woould begin helping set the room for this speech their benefactor was to give. Though. He had to wonde, he came from a well off family, and had one of his own, so why bother with them. "Its probably just some scheme to gain public lopnion."
She helped her brothers soon finishing with the others and found seats about the middle of the gathering of chairs. There were near thirty kids living there, a bit cramped but it was home. She sighed listening to them before shushing them as the house ward entered with another well dressed man. "You guys, she said best behavior. Besides does it matter the why? It gives us more time to save for our own place without having to runaway again."
He had finished handing the written speech prepaired to his employer, whether he wnted to use it or not was up to him. He then tested the micophone before allowing the matron of the house to introduce him to the occupants of the home.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 3:48 pm
Xanatos would approach the stage, seeing many children gathered. Around thirty or so, he'd imagine. He would take the speech that Owen had prepared him, but didn't think that a hand-written speech would go over well. Instead, he would hand the speech back to Owen, and prepared to speak himself. "I realize that a few of you don't know who I am, and that the rest of you are probably wondering why I, a reputed, quote, end-quote, evil man, am helping out an orphanage. Well, it's simple. I'm trying to change the way the world sees me. Now, I could have come in here, lied to you, told you that I was doing this out of the kindness of my heart, but I won't insult you like that. The truth is, I believe that family is important. This orphanage, more than any in the city, probably, has many sibling groups. I don't think a family should be broken up, just because a city wants a faster route to work and back. So, I am going to donate new equipment, supplies, and better food. And for the older teenagers, a possible internship at one of my companies. Despite what you know, or have heard, I am doing what I can to do right by this city, and by my own family. I want to give back. And should one or more of you earn this internship, do not think it will be easy. You'll work hard, rest assured. But Ity will be worth it in the end. I'll close by stating that I truly hope that I've helped to making a positive difference here today, one way or another. Thank you for having me."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 5:16 pm
Owen listened looking over the small crowd of children, most getting excited though he could see the hardened ones not as enthused. He did note the sound almost like a chopper outside and began to wonder if this was the event his sister wanted him to be here for. As the speech ended it was clear the sounds outside were also making the children anxious. "Perhaps we should see the cause to all the noise Sir." He stopped though as soldiers would burst through the doors and opened fire. He moved Xanatos out of the way of the first round with his good hand before taking up the fight once they were closer. Children were screaming and running, but for now there wasn't anything he could do other than help his employer. After a bit he did not the fires they were also starting and cursed.
Arthur listened to the speech unsure his view, despite his younger brother seeing overly happy as normal when handed good news. The noise not being common bothered him and as the doors burst open he instinctively brought his brother with him towards the floor. He knew Kiera's instincts well enough to know she'd get to cover. "Ben stay by me, no further than arms length you hear?" He knew being almost sixteen, his brother was capable of defending himself, but as the older sibling it was his job to protect him. "We have to get the others out to safety." He noted some children already down and scowled. When he saw the soldier's setting fires, that was it. He stood pretending to give up, seeing the same of his sister. He wasn't thrilled seeing the cut on her arm but would question later. He knew he didn't have to tell her anything, they were always in sync when it came to plans, which scared him a little. He waited till two of the soldiers came to them and Xanatos and his Lackey as Ben had called him were still fighting more of the soldiers and trying to help the kids. Once in arms reach he struck pulling the soldier's arm to catch them off guard and using his weight to knock him back and take the weapon, to which he tossed to Ben. He paused only a moment seeing Kiera's soldier down and her with their weapon. "Get that Xanatos guy out. If he was serious we may be able to salvage this mess. Me and Ben will get what kids we can out before the place goes up." He turned to his brother nodding. He knew she would be fine. He started taking care of what soldiers near them was left before checking kids and attendees he could find in the smoke. The fire was spreading too fast. He turned seeing the center beams collapse cutting them off from their sister, but had faith she'd get out. "Come on we gotta get who we can. He saw one little girl and boy crying in a corner and picked each up. "I got you it's okay." He helped another to their feet seeing Ben getting who he could before they managed to get out of the home. He moved with the crowd looking around though felt a moment of panic not seeing Kiera as the building fell. "Come on girl, you're better than this." He felt relief letting the children down to be looked at seeing her mingling in the group to them.
Kiera had ducked hearing the doors but still felt the sting of a bullet grazing her arm. It was too close for comfort. she listened to her brother cursing as children screamed the place was set on fire. As Arthur stood she knew he was about to do something stupid and figured safer to join him. Once the soldier came and he started she took the surprise of the other to her advantage. She may have been scrawny compared to him, but she was just as strong. Once they were down she simply nodded and ran off knowing what to do as she dodged fires and helped some closest get to a door. As she reached Xanatos and the other she helped with the final guard. The roar of the fire that had begun bothering her as she saw the damage. She turned hearing a loud crack to see one of the ceiling beams collapse between her and her brothers but knew they would be fine. "Follow me, I know a quick way out. Don't worry about the others, my brothers can get them out." She moved in front of the stage kneeling and pulling hard at one of the grates in the stage wall to reveal stairs. She motioned them in and followed suit seeing the one with a stone hand making her go after his boss. "Not many know about this, it place. But it used to be where the trap door for magic shows would lead out." She ran with them towards a back door and tried to open it but it wouldn't budge. "Damnit open!" She scowled knowing how finicky the door was and kicked at the handle till it would open. Once outside she saw the chopper leaving. "Everyone should be by the front." She then would lead them to the grouping of children and attendees in the street before the building. Al in all, two attendees, and about ten of the children were unaccounted for but doubt they had gotten out as the building simply collapsed moments later. She let the other two be and headed into the crowd of kids, soon seeing them and smiled.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 8:35 pm
Ben helped Arthur to gather as many of the kids together as he could. He wanted to fight, like his siblings, but they always treated him like he was fragile. Like a glass vase. However, now was not one of the times he would argue with Arthur. Instead, he followed, trying to make sure the children that could walk stayed in front of them, while he helped his brother to carry a couple each. He watched Kiera head over to Xanatos and his assistant, and began to wonder for the briefest moment how they knew how to fight, and seem to understand each other. Almost like they were psychic! "Arthur! Hurry up!" They hurried up out of the main hall, dodging flames that were started by the goon squad that attacked them. Once they were out, they were relived to see Kiera and that Xanatos guy out and alive, if not a little smoky. He was about to go over to Kiera, when he saw the orphanage collapse. His heart suddenly sank. He was saddened, realizing that some of the children and staff were caught in the building. But more so, he was sad because he didn't know what would be happening to their own family. "Arthur? Kiera? What's going to happen to us now? Where are we going to live? Are they going to break us up?" Ben collapsed to the ground, tucking his head between his knees, and started shaking.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
