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IN LIGHT OF SHADOW is an original superhero rpg set in modern day New York City. Will you fight for the side of justice, shoulder to shoulder with the Legends, or are you planning world domination with the devious Syndicate? Not a super? Do you work for the government or are you jut an innocent bystander. No matter what you are, we hope you join us.
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Group: Syndicate
Posts: 306
Member No.: 43
Joined: 18-February 12
IF YOU LOOK BACK
YOU ARE LOST
Ruined.
Dead.
Gone.
A large summer storm had ripped through the area only the night before and as she entered her garden Aisling could understand why Malachy hated rain. Last night Aisling had enjoyed the sound of the rain hitting her window, the distant thunder had been her lullaby. She had laid awake in her bed to listen to it, her hands folded on her chest and her eyes closed, peace washing over her. The peace had been welcomed for she had only recently given herself to Malachy, fought Roane, broken her wrist severely, and turned down William Leo's love. That had been the most traumatic event of her life. She had told William everything and in return he had laughed at her, looked at her with vehement hatred and called her normal. If William had not given his word that he would allow her and Malachy's continued existence Aisling would fear for her life. Instead she hated it. She had lost her best friend, the man she considered her brother. Aisling hadn't had a peaceful moment in over two weeks... but the rain had soothed her.
Or so she thought.
Standing in her garden devastation washed over her. The rain had betrayed her, cutting her deeply. What her past few weeks had spared the rain had destroyed. Aisling bit her lip as her blue eyes surveyed the damage. Malachy's tree had fallen on her lavender, the snapdragons were flat against the ground, the roses scattered about and the birch trees were worse for the wear, only surviving because they were flexible enough to bend in the harsh wind. Licking her lips Aisling finally realized why Malachy hated the rain, realized that even mother nature hated her.
Not caring that the ground was damp Aisling sank to her knees. Only a week before she had been kneeling in the exact location picking weeds, tending to her plants insuring that they would grow and thrive. Now their lives had been snatched away in one evening, their innocent stolen, their beauty cut terribly short. The roses had not even bloomed yet and the peonies were only beginning to show their beauty. Aisling bit her lip and felt the flood gates open. She had never cried so much in her life. Even as a baby she rarely cried and never sobbed. But now, with her head in her hands she let everything out.
Group: Syndicate
Posts: 165
Member No.: 27
Joined: 7-February 12
CIRCUMSTANCES WEREN'T ON OUR SIDE
What if we could put our lives on hold and meet somewhere inside of the world? I would meet you. Would you meet me? Oh yeah, whatever it takes. What if we could? Where would we go? If it felt right, would you want me to know? I would meet you. Would you meet me? It's like a last chance for a first dance. You're a sunrise—can't somehow exist. I would meet you. Would you meet me?
Rage filtered through his bones at the sight set before him: his and Aisling's garden, their Eden, their sanctuary had been massacred. He wished that were an exaggeration, but unfortunately it was the way to describe the decay state left behind. The storm from last night had done this. Harsh winds had broke trees like twigs, shredded blossoms into confetti, eroded the grass beneath their feet to form piles of mush. And the rain? The rain had drowned everything, cutting all hope of salvaging their precious Earth. Malachy wanted to pound his fists on the ground and scream, unleash his wrath as if that would miraculous fix their dilemma, but his inner voice of reason told him that would do nothing, would perhaps make things worse.
It wasn't fair. What had either of them done to receive this kind of cruelty? Although maybe it was his fault. Maybe his own sins tarnished the spot of pure land. Even so, their private little paradise hadn't harmed anyone, no matter the deeds of its owners. Quite the opposite. It offered peace and comfort to troubled minds, so why would nature attack it? He doubted he'd ever get an answer, much less understand. Nature would always do as it pleased, disregarding mortal sentiments entirely.
Malachy watched Aisling drop to her knees and weep, the tension in his body bleeding into sorrow at seeing her so distraught. He couldn't imagine how she must have felt right now. After all, she had truly mothered this garden whereas he'd provided a helping hand. He knew recent days had not been kind to her; he'd seen it in her eyes and in her posture before having even known what occurred, and now this added another disaster to the list. The silver lady did not deserve such torture for she was as innocent as the murdered plants.
Forgetting his own pain and anger, Malachy knelt behind his companion while wrapping his powerful arms around Aisling in a secure, tender embrace. He tucked her close against his chest, sharing his warmth, shielding her from any more horrors, being her strength like he'd promised. Lips pressed firmly atop her head, nose buried in sweet ivory silk, his eyes slowly closed as his gripped tightened a little.
“We should go,” Malachy declared, mouth moving along Aisling's hair, yet the English was clear and better spoken than his prior attempts. “You suffer too much here. Let me take you away.”
TAG: Maggie. WORDS: 408. LYRICS: Blue October. NOTES: So much angst. ]:
Group: Syndicate
Posts: 306
Member No.: 43
Joined: 18-February 12
IF YOU LOOK BACK
YOU ARE LOST
Aisling felt little more than a child as the tears flowed from her eyes. She felt small, frightened and so alone... Aisling knew she lost everyone in her life: her Mammy, her Da, William and now her garden. Why were so many things ripped from her? What had she done to deserved this pain and the hollowness in her heart. She made it hard now she steeled her expression but then strong arms wrapped around her and Aisling remembered.
She wasn't alone. How could Aisling be alone now when she had Malachy? His strong arms were her strength, they shielded her from the world and kept her safe. Her hard heart broke all over and she let out a sob burying her face into his chest. Somehow she was aware that his nose was buried in her hair that his hot breath was on her forehead. Aisling leaned into him and shook like a frightened bird. Everything and everyone had been taken from her expect for the one person who mattered.
Expect for Malachy.
And now he was here, right when she needed him. Malachy's timing was impeccable. And now he wanted to go away. The tears stopped flowing from her eyes and they widened. Not only because he was talking of leaving but because he was speaking English. "Malachy" Aisling whispered, his name giving her comfort beyond belief. When had her voice gotten so small, when had she become so pathetic? While Aisling called Malachy her strength it had never been so true and so explicit. She normally kept her cool, acted calm, and supported Malachy. Her Strength may have been physically impeccable, Aisling was the silent rock in their relationship but now the roles reversed. He was now the soul and she the weak body. She had not wanted him to see her like this, had not wanted him in her garden until she could calm down and support his own rage but now she was grateful he came.
The sound of his heart was disrupted by his voice and Aisling looked up at his face. Leave? Where would they go? They would be killed... but did it matter? "Yes," Aisling whispered. "Yes, lets go. I don't care where just... away from here."
Group: Syndicate
Posts: 165
Member No.: 27
Joined: 7-February 12
CIRCUMSTANCES WEREN'T ON OUR SIDE
What if we could put our lives on hold and meet somewhere inside of the world? I would meet you. Would you meet me? Oh yeah, whatever it takes. What if we could? Where would we go? If it felt right, would you want me to know? I would meet you. Would you meet me? It's like a last chance for a first dance. You're a sunrise—can't somehow exist. I would meet you. Would you meet me?
Any other time he would have tried to cease her trembles, but now he just accepted them, allowed her to release her agony as she saw fit. To push this kind of trauma aside, mask it with pseudo happiness, wouldn't give her closure but convert into bitterness. He would know, having done it himself on countless occasions. Distractions weren't cures, after all.
The sound of his name opened his eyes and he pulled his head back to peer down at Aisling, his gaze steady, resolute. He waited for her face to tilt toward him, saw the rivulets drying on her cheeks, then swept them away with his knuckles as he offered a hopeful smile. Small as it was, it would be the beginning of a silver lining. But it widened slightly when she agreed, glad that he could finally do something for Aisling; a change he'd been looking forward to since receiving the waterfall puzzle box that she gave him. He couldn't protect her well within the walls of the Tower since they were both kept in manacles, but out there in the great unknown? Logic told him it'd still be a difficult task except they'd have freedom and that always trumped any obstacles that lay in someone's way.
Malachy inhaled a slow breath through his lungs as he reached behind his neck, his touch grazing leather. There was no buckle for him to undo, just a continuous band, yet he curled his forefingers and thumbs around the tough cowhide and pulled. A brief bout of resistance met him until a satisfying crack filled his ears. His hand retracted from his nape, then dropped the broken collar to the ground, severed wires and microchips jutting out either ends. Sepia eyes stared at it, limp and lifeless, as he waited for any backfires, although none happened. He caught Aisling's oceanic gaze.
Nodding, he locked his hand with hers while ascending to stand. “Let's go.” Malachy turned on his heel and headed toward the chainlink boundary fence far on the perimeter of Syndicate property.
Group: Syndicate
Posts: 306
Member No.: 43
Joined: 18-February 12
IF YOU LOOK BACK
YOU ARE LOST
All thoughts of the massacred garden were abandoned as Aisling watched Malachy tear off his collar. That collar was the only thing that kept him in human flesh -or so she had been told- and if his heart rate rose his flesh would change and he would become a behemoth. While Aisling had never seen him in his second form she had heard enough stories to worry. Rumor said that the moment he had been released from his cryogenic sleep he had changed and raged... but now he seemed calm enough. In fact he was still soft, still holding her hand and watching her.
He was still her Malachy.
The removal of the collar seemed to be the wisest decision. It probably have GPS and they could probably be tracked if Malachy had kept it around his neck. With a bare foot she kicked it aside. It was unimportant now, a relic that reminded them that they were prisoners rather than members. The organization that 'protected' them was little more than a plantation that used them.
Their fingers interlocked and Aisling followed her strength towards the chain link fence. Part of her was worried they would be caught at the barrier, afraid that their punishment would be cruel... but that was her metal trap and one look at Malachy soothed her reckless and worried soul. Part of her worried about her violin, her million dollar baby who sang the sweetest songs, her house plants would die without her and her clothing... but did any of it matter? Well yes, it did, but in comparison to freedom? A freedom with Malachy? No, of course not, let it burn this was better, this was amazing. For the first time since her Mammy's death she was completely and totally free.
As they reached the fence and she started to climb it without difficulty. Aisling had climbed enough trees in her life to be nimble. While her cheeks were still wet her eyes were aglow with excitement. It didn't matter what happened now, she could die for all she cared, but if she died outside of the walls... if she died a free woman it was better than living in fear and waiting for a command. When even her emotions could be manipulated she was not really alive. When the tiny white woman reached the top of the fence a strong gust of wind blew through her hair. Aisling was fanciful and thought it symbolic, it was her first breath of free air. A grin broke across her face and she glanced down at Malachy. "Vielen Dank meine Stärke." And then, she climbed down. There were no sirens, no alarm, nothing... it seemed that the Syndicate had thought her too tame to even bother with a security system.
Group: Syndicate
Posts: 165
Member No.: 27
Joined: 7-February 12
CIRCUMSTANCES WEREN'T ON OUR SIDE
What if we could put our lives on hold and meet somewhere inside of the world? I would meet you. Would you meet me? Oh yeah, whatever it takes. What if we could? Where would we go? If it felt right, would you want me to know? I would meet you. Would you meet me? It's like a last chance for a first dance. You're a sunrise—can't somehow exist. I would meet you. Would you meet me?
Somehow a weight had been lifted. A burden he wasn't aware he bore until the object that labeled him a weapon, pet, and animal had been shucked. He cool feel a breeze on an certain stripe of naked skin on his throat, a somewhat odd sensation considering the area was usually concealed, but he decided he liked it, the tickle.
At the gate Malachy allowed Aisling to climb first because he was doing this more for her than himself. Being her partner in the escape was a mere bonus. If the choice of staying at the expense of the woman's release presented itself, he would gladly do so; not only did his training ingrain self-sacrifice within his system for all Syndicate members, Malachy adopted the philosophy into his personal being. The difference now was he wanted to do this, not that he had to. He looked over his shoulder, gaze scanning for any lurkers as well as possible security cameras, not foolish enough to think it'd be so easy. Just because an alarm hadn't rand didn't mean the Syndicate was ignorant to what they were up to. After all, Gabriel had found out about his own escapade some days later.
His attention diverted back to Aisling, who'd reached the top now, and a soft smile played on his features. She looked free already. Lips still curled up, a warm glow radiated from his eyes at her gratitude. Malachy nodded his reply instead of spoiling this moment with his voice. He feared he might ramble all his thoughts, proud and humble alike, which would just slow them down. After her feet touched the grass the brunet scaled the flimsy barricade, then jumped to land in a crouch beside herself, head shifting left and right for the best path. They were out of the garden, yes, but the small woodland continued until an asphalt road cut it off. He had the advantage of remembering such a layout, putting the outcome in their favor.
“Wir müssen uns beeilen. Diese wahrscheinlich bereits wissen, dass wir außerhalb der Grenzen,” Malachy warned as he took a few steps forward, critical glare indicated toward a cluster of pines. He pointed. “Besser diesen Weg zu gehen. Leichter zu verlieren diese,” Malachy looked at Aisling with a grin, open palm held out. “Bereit?”
She had the honor of leading their actual runaway.
“We have to hurry. They probably already know we're out of bounds,”
“Better to go this way. Easier to lose them,”
“Ready?”
TAG: Maggie. WORDS: 395. LYRICS: Blue October. NOTES:♫One day I'll flyyyy away♪
Group: Syndicate
Posts: 306
Member No.: 43
Joined: 18-February 12
IF YOU LOOK BACK
YOU ARE LOST
The thicket beyond the fence was not the furthest Aisling had ever been from the Syndicate; it was however, the only time she had been beyond the fence without permission. A thrill shot through her spine and she looked around with wide eyes that were seeing the world anew. She wanted to give a squeal in pleasure, a shout of joy. She wanted to cartwheel through the trees, grab Malachy and kiss him and hollar.... all so out of character for the quiet little girl... or perhaps not. Perhaps the Aisling that had been so well behaved, so prim and proper had been out of character. Aisling remembered being an angry child, it had been when her father had made her obedient beyond question. Despite her desires to holler Aisling merely grinned from ear to ear.
Malachy's low rumble of a voice reached her ears and Aisling had to switch on German. He was right, he was wise. Whoever thought her Malachy nothing but a beast was the fool. Yes, yes he was feral and bestial but he was no dumb animal. Her Malachy had a mind and it would held keep them alive and free. "Ja," Aisling said giving a firm nod.
Nervousness was creeping up on her. He had reminded her that she was probably going to get caught or at least followed. The firm nod was self assurance. Of course she was fine, she needed to be fine... for them. Aisling reached out and put her hand in his holding on tightly. Their fingers inter locked and she took a few steps up beside him. "Ich bin bereit. Lasst uns frei sein von diesem Ort." Free... if she died in a week at least she would die free and with him. Aisling began walking in the direction he suggested making their way stealthy through the thicket and onto the road towards the city. "Wir sollten in ein Hotel gehen. Ich kann uns in kostenlos ... dann sollten wir versuchen und schauen diskret." she mused glancing up at him waiting for his input. With a sigh she ran her fingers through her hair. "Ich werde sogar meine Haare färben."
---
Yes
I'm ready. Let's be free of this place.
We should go to a hotel. I can get us in for free... then we should try and look discreet.
I'll even color my hair.
Group: Syndicate
Posts: 165
Member No.: 27
Joined: 7-February 12
CIRCUMSTANCES WEREN'T ON OUR SIDE
What if we could put our lives on hold and meet somewhere inside of the world? I would meet you. Would you meet me? Oh yeah, whatever it takes. What if we could? Where would we go? If it felt right, would you want me to know? I would meet you. Would you meet me? It's like a last chance for a first dance. You're a sunrise—can't somehow exist. I would meet you. Would you meet me?
He kept glancing over his shoulder to make sure no one was there. His guard was up, senses heightened, body strained from a fiery suspicion of being ambushed. Perhaps they were just allowed a head start before the so-called rescue team went after the pair. Paranoia or not, nobody came leaping out at them as they traversed past bark and shrubbery until stepping onto hard, solid ground. Out in the clear where plateaus expanded in all directions, interrupted in the center by a road, there was nowhere to hide.
It made Malachy even more twitchy.
He released Aisling to take a few paces forward and used his hand to shield the blazing sun from his sight. As he stared, he listened, primarily focused on the quickest way to keep moving. His only hope would be for a car to drive by. Suddenly head jerked toward the white-haired woman at the mention of disguised, dark eyes even darker as they steeled. “Nein,” Malachy ordered. “Nicht Ihr Haar. Tragen Sie eine Perücke statt.” The thought of Aisling without colorless tresses seemed... unfathomable. He wasn't against changing their appearance in public, but in the sanctity of privacy he'd want to gaze upon his Aisling as she had come into this world, no masks involved.
Their palms clasped again, Malachy ventured toward the city at a brisk stride. And then without even so much as a warning he broke into a run after tightening his grip on her. No sooner after had the sounds of booted feet tumbled behind them. He knew the Syndicate wouldn't let them go so easily. Not far ahead the man spotted a truck slowly roll to a halt at a stop sign, which kicked him into action, swooping Aisling into his arms fluidly and thundering down the street. The driver noticed a little too late that the giant was targeting him, so when he tried to shift gears, a wide hand clamped onto edge of an open window, impressive strength keeping the car rooted despite how the driver pressed on the gas.
“Get out.” Malachy growled.
As shots went off a tranquilizer dart hit his leg, but he ignored it and fought off the groggy sensation, instead yanking the drive out through the window and wrenching the door open. He shoved Aisling inside rough before hoping in himself, eyes darting all over the console and driving area. A long time ago Malachy had read about cars and someone had also explained the bare minimum about how they functioned. Stick shifts, however, he didn't exactly know about but he wiggled the gear while stomping on a pedal, veering the truck forward with a jolt. Malachy twisted the steering wheel to the left, the way that lead to New York. It was bumpy and horribly unstable, but somehow he managed to get them out of range from the Syndicate members. Even reached down to pluck that damn dart and toss it away.
He glanced to Aisling, panting slightly, a frown creased on his lips. “Sind Sie okay?”
“No,”
“Not your hair. Wear a wig instead.”
“Are you okay?”
TAG: Maggie. WORDS: 509. LYRICS: Blue October. NOTES: Time to be adults now.
Group: Syndicate
Posts: 306
Member No.: 43
Joined: 18-February 12
IF YOU LOOK BACK
YOU ARE LOST
"Ich wusste, Sie mochte meine Haare zu viel." Aisling said with a smirk. Yes she smirked, actually smirked. Malachy was the first man who called her attractive and she appropriated his outright refusal of hair dye. Her hair had been the first feature Malachy had been fascinated with and she wasn't keen on changing it. Other than their one night of passion a few weeks ago he had not expressed concern or feelings for her body. In a strange role reversal Aisling was the one packed with lust for her partner's body.
But before she could speak again the sound of boots and guns echoed along the street. The smirk fell from her lips and Aisling turned right into Malachy's strong arms. He held onto her and she onto him. They ran to a car and at a time like this she was not about to lecture him about being polite. Guns were sounding! This was survival mode, politeness didn't matter. Several darts hit her neck but their poison had no effect on Aisling. Her powers were that of sleep, these chemicals were amateur.
"Du bist verletzt," she sad as she opened the vanity mirror and examined the dark in her neck. Her hand wrapped around it and she pulled it out with a wine. Sniffing the dart she wrinkled her nose. The poison was strong... meant to knock out a large man... a large man like Malachy. His driving was dangerous, thought she was grateful she had taken the blunt of the venom. If he had taken the darts to the neck he may have been fast asleep and she would have been back in Syndicate custody and severely punished.
Oh so severely.
"Oder wir sollten Sie das Auto ab," she mused looking around the suburbs. They could easily jump onto the subway or even find a crumy motel in which to hide. The beauty of the city was that it was so easy to fame into. "Jetzt, da wir in der Stadt können wir verstecken sind." Her hand reached over and covered his knee holding onto him unable to believe that they were free. She was finally free... and with that a laugh ripped through her lips and she threw her head back in unbridled laughter.
"I'M FREE!"
---
I knew you liked my hair too much.
You're hurt.
I'm fine. Let me drive.
Or we should ditch the car.
Now that we're in the city we can hide.
Group: Admin
Posts: 356
Member No.: 2
Joined: 26-January 12
COMPLETE THREAD! Congratulations on your complete thread! Threads like this are the lifeblood of our board and they keep the site alive and healthy! Congratulations again on your accomplishment and lots of love for the admins <3
