A Sad Trip to Haligan

"A Sad Trip to Haligan" is a [SEASON NUMBER] thread written on [IRL DATE].
==Summary==
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==Full Text==
Indigo had barely slept on the journey, didnt feel like eating, and was kind of tired of walking. Dixie's men kept a close eye on him, and his hands were tied tightly.
Not that either of those things were an obstacle to The Indigo Phantom. Even if they managed to give him a good stab with one of their weapons, he'd still be a force to reckon with.
Indigo didn't particularly want it to come to that, though. He'd chose this. He marched along obediently and numbly, occasionally giving a sad whimper or a nervous giggle to himself, or mumbling something incoherent, switching between languages.
Storm trailed behind, not willing to be too close to any of the humans, but wanting to stay close to Indigo. He gave a fierce warning glare if they got too close.
Mar 9, 2020
They hadn’t traveled for too long that night before they settled to make camp, and in the morning a quick breakfast operation was put together so everyone could be nourished for the last leg of the journey. 
Indigo could see Dixie talking with Farris from across the camp, jotting notes, and looking...calculating? He couldn’t be certain, the man’s expressions were very odd. Eventually, the business man glanced his way, and walked over to sit across from him on a turned over log.  
“So....” He said as he reached out to untie him, his immaculate nails tapping the taunt rope. “You weren’t in control of your actions I take it?”
Mar 9, 2020
Indigo gave a small shake of his head. "Not exactly. Ever since..." He hesitated. "Ever since an incident that happened to me a long time ago, I'd been slowly losing control of my own mind. I'm not entirely innocent, but I'm going to say I'm not entirely guilty either."
Indigo rubbed his hands together. "It doesn't matter, I have still t-taken lives, and I-I should still be locked up. Probably forever."
He started shaking again at the thought of it, and had to try to keep himself calm.
Mar 9, 2020
"Hm...yes..." Dixie mused, although he still looked thoughtful. "So then...what wasn't your fault?"
Mar 9, 2020
"Those first humans I ever killed. I... I snapped and wasn't even remotely in control of myself then. I was greatly distressed." He thought to himself for a bit.
"It was usually when I had gone further into madness and stress that I did... unpleasant things. I can't completely deny it was me for those four villages though. I do still hate humans, and I did then as well. The madness may have pushed me to make that decision, but I didn't really regret it until now either. I'm guilty there."
Indigo sighed. "Despite my distrust of humans, I no longer believe it was justified, especially since it put my dragons in further danger. I'm doing this for their sake. Not necessarily for the humans."
Indigo had decided to be honest with this man, even if it meant making things worse for him.
Mar 9, 2020
Dixie lightly tapped his cheek as he kept mulling over his words. "Hmm...in that case...what are you hoping for with this outcome? The rebellion is known for its mercy and...interesting ways of handling things. Case in point, there was a man of relation to me that killed a lot of people. Maybe even more than you, and they stabbed him in the mouth. Similarly, there was also a mage that had more half breeds tortured and killed than I could count...and now he's off Scott-free...so...what do you think?
Mar 9, 2020
Indigo tapped his fingers nervously and hummed softly. "Well, as long as my dragons are safe, I'm willing to take whatever I get. However, I don't really want to be locked away forever. The loneliness is sure to drive me even madder." He shuddered with fear.
"If they have mercy and could find a way to cure me of that madness, then perhaps I could heal at last... that's what I'm hoping for. Between my two options, that one is the better."
Mar 9, 2020
Dixie began to count up fingers on his hands. "Demon possession, Valkyrie possession, dual minds, insanity inducing magic, souls shredded by gods, and now red card...I'd say these rebels are very used to dealing with madness. You just may be in luck."
He regarded him, his tone ever dry. "Truth be told though...since living alone, mad in a cell, is what you fear the most...its arguably what you deserve the most." He leaned forward to look into his eyes closely. "Unless of course...."
Mar 9, 2020
“I’m sure it is what I deserve.” Indigo murmured quietly, staring down at his hands. “I’m a monster to them.”
He refused to meet Dixie’s eyes, going quiet. He knew that if he was locked up, it would be worse than he wanted to say.
I would probably get worse than I’ve ever been, and if I managed to leave the cell they locked me in, I’d cause more pain to others... and perhaps be a lost cause...
He began to shake again, terrified of the thought.
Mar 9, 2020
“Well one things for sure...” Dixie droned as he leaned away. “A dark violet is your color, if you ever decided to do something about those eyelids of yours.” 
He drummed his fingers as he crossed his arms. “And your no monster phantom. Monster dehumanizes what you did, and what you did was very, very human. As much as people wouldn’t like to think so.” A mercenaries walked by and passed Dixie a plate of food, which Dixie in turn passed to Indigo. “Do you know why I’m having this talk with you?”
Mar 9, 2020
Indigo was taken aback slightly by the first comment, giving Dixie an odd look. He didn't know what to say about that. "I doubt anything I could put on my face would make me look less ugly." He motioned to his scarred, bald head with a small chuckle, then shook his head.
"And no, I have no idea why you'd talk to me." Indigo grabbed the plate of food and picked at it halfheartedly, clearly not that interested in eating it. "I don't even know why you're being as hospitable as you are. I hardly deserve any good treatment by any member of your species."
Mar 9, 2020
"Your first comment is harasey, but I'm not getting into that right now." Dixie sighed, and held up a finger.
"I'm evaluating you Phantom. My hospitality is so that what I learn, I learn in truth and accuracy. Because when we get down to it, as much as I would like to see you in a cell for the rest of your life, doing so would put others at undo risk. This means your execution is the most sensible outcome. That is...give a singular condition."
He leaned a head back and looked him up and down. You'll never 'undo' the evils you've done. But...could you do enough good in the world to out weigh them?"
Mar 9, 2020
Indigo wasn’t sure how to reply, putting a little bit of food in his mouth and eating quietly. 
“I doubt anyone could execute me. You have no idea how many things I’ve survived, and there’s almost nothing in this world apart from perhaps the most powerful creatures that could kill me. I’ve even had my organs ripped apart a few times. They just grow back. It was unpleasant, but I lived. I won’t go into it all.”
He tapped at the plate he held, looking unsure.
“As for doing good? What exactly do you want me to say? That I want to help humans? Certainly, they deserve justice against me.” He bared his teeth and shook his head. “But they’re no better than me. They took everything from me first.” He had to take a deep breath to calm down again.“They’ve done nothing for me that makes me want to help them.”
Indigo could hear his mother’s frightened desperate shrieks all over again, and his grip on the plate tightened.
Mar 9, 2020
"Oh dont worry...they do have one of the most powerful creatures there. If they want you dead, they'll do it." Dixie poured himself a cup of coffee, and proceeded to doctor it up with honey, cream, and even took the time to make sure a decorative bit of honey comb was placed on the rim.
"And the good doesn't have to be strictly for humans persay. But frankly speaking. If you cant do enough good in the world to out do the slaughter of four villages you may just want to ask them to kill you quick and get it over with..."
He took a calculated sip. "Think it over..."
Mar 9, 2020
Indigo tried to hide the fear growing in him. 
He didn’t really want to die...
“I could... I suppose I could bring myself to do something good, it depends what it is. As long as I don’t have to be near humans too much.” He stated hesitantly. “If it means I can live, I guess I’ll do it. I would... I would prefer to live, to be honest with you.”
Indigo didn’t like the idea of making nice with the creatures he hated so much, but perhaps at this point he had no choice.
“This sucks.” He mumbled. 
I didn’t ask for any of this... 
Mar 9, 2020
“For someone with so many dead kids under his belt you’re being rather chosey with how you want to help the world.” Dixie said as he examined his cup. “Your focus is still on your hatred for humans and the tragedy of your own story. And until you begin to think of the ramifications of the tragedies you yourself created, and the means to heal rather than destroy, then I’m afraid you’ll be doomed to execution.”
Mar 9, 2020
Indigo hesitated, going quiet again. He was shaking, clearly terrified. 
That guilty feeling he thought he’d shoved away by surrendering came back, choking him.
He had to change, he had to let go.
“It’s hard for me to move on, okay? I need... I need time. I’m broken, lost. I’ll try, but I’m not sure I can do it. Every time I think about humans, all I can see is my mother being slaughtered. Her previous children being caught and killed. The faces of those hunters. It hurts.”
Mar 9, 2020
“And...whenever a survivor sees you, they will think of all the mothers and children you caught and killed.” Dixie seemed to be satisfied with how the conversation went, and swept up from his seat like a bird taking off from a lake. “Well then, we had better get back to walking. Maybe we’ll find ourselves a little better on the journey.”
Mar 9, 2020
Indigo let Storm lick up whatever was left on the plate, then put it down. He then got onto the dragon's back and let Storm carry him, as he was tired of walking.
He kept the dragon calm as the humans kept a close eye on them, gently murmuring to Storm.
Guilt still filled him, making him feel sick to his stomach again. Dixie made a good point. He knew it. He was regretting wiping those villages out more and more. But it was too late.
Indigo sat up a little taller and looked around for Farris, deciding he wanted to speak to him. He spotted the man walking along with the rest of the group and gently poked his mind to get his attention.
Can... can I talk to you?
Mar 10, 2020
Farris jolted with some surprise, and then made his way over to him, not sure how he felt about the mind poke. He gave a wary look towards the mercenaries, and then gave Indigo his attention. “What is it?”
Mar 10, 2020
Indigo gave him a grateful look and took as deep breath.
"You've also done things you regret, and needed to atone for it. I could use any advice you may have on how to work to that myself. Otherwise my end will be just as unhappy as my beginning. I'd rather not die like this." He told Farris, desperation in his voice.
"Oh, and sorry for the poke. I'll be gentler next time. I just needed your attention."
“I’m not sure what comfort or helpful advice I can give you.” Farris said grimly. “The vile things my body did to other people was forced on me through alchemic poison, completely beyond my control, and although I do believe a plea of insanity could help you with some crimes, you were woefully in control of your own actions during the village attacks, which carries the greatest severity.”
“As for what I do to make up for it. I chose to hunt down evil…but later realized I would die without truly helping anyone doing so. So now I work with relief efforts. I feed and give drink and shelter to those in need, arm and train those who are defenseless, bolster against attacks, and help pick up the pieces when a disaster couldn’t be avoided. One day I will have helped save more lives than I destroyed.”
@furibotgd
Mar 10, 2020
“I suppose I should do the same as you and hope for the best…” Indigo murmured. “Perhaps I can throw myself to the ground and beg for mercy.” He shuddered and had to relax again.
Indigo gave Farris a grateful and weak smile, as if he rarely had actually smiled and perhaps forgotten how to. “Thanks for doing as much as you have. I appreciate it. You’re… you’re okay. If I make it out of this alive, I hope maybe we can be… friends?” His smile faded slightly.
Maybe that’s a dumb thing to hope for. I’m probably just going to die or be locked away… as I deserve.
Mar 10, 2020
“I can’t be certain Phantom.” Farris said quietly. “Your chances were numerous and your guilt too late to save innocent lives. I see hope for you and your soul. But I cant say anything beyond that. As the scorch of fire still rest upon my head and the images of the dead haunt my eyelids.”
Mar 10, 2020
Indigo shrunk and looked away. “R-right. There’s no reason you’d forgive me. Forget I said anything.” He stared down at his hands, feeling sick again, shivering.
Indigo, why would anyone want to care about you? You hurt everyone, and you deserve nothing but pain. What’s even funnier is you thought you could leave me behind.
He was back again. Indigo stiffened with horror as his mind slipped back slightly and he could hear that voice again. The voice of his madness.
“Oh n-no.”
Mar 10, 2020
Farris’s brow creased. He pitied Indigo, although he knew it was against his better nature. The man had murdered so many people who had done him no harm, his guilt was deserved. The memory of their fights and nearly being killed by him just for inquiring about his apparent thefts left him in no mood to be friends.
And yet he still pitied him…he couldn’t help it.
But now he could tell something was wrong beyond the obvious. “Phantom…? What’s happening?”
Mar 10, 2020
How about we forget this little pity party mission, and go back, hmm? Wipe this little group out and walk away, perhaps? They deserve it, you know. 
No.
Indigo shook his head, panting.
“I won’t… I refuse! M-mur- kill th- No, I won’t, I want t- Kill th-them all-” He was stuttering apparant nonsense, struggling. “F-farris, he’s back- must- no!”
Come now, I’m you too, you can’t just throw me out like this, Indigo. We’re the same person.
Leave me alone! Why are you back, I didn’t want you back! Go away! I’m not going to hurt them anymore! 
“No, I don’t w-want to do this again…”
Mar 10, 2020
“Phantom! Whatever demon you may be struggling with! You’ve got to resist it! Think of your dragons, think of how-!” Farris suddenly flinched as he covered his ears, a heart stopping bang splitting through the area. 
Indigo felt a lump of hot metal plow into his head with tremendous force. Like a molten rock flung from a greater demons hand.
Farris, still ducked over, slowly turned to see Dixie standing just a few paces away from Indigo, the strange pipe like weapon he constantly had stashed at his side upright and leveled with the man, a trail of smoke curling from the barrel. 
Mar 10, 2020
Indigo flopped over, a clear hole in his head, seemingly unconscious.
Storm was startled, and gently let Indigo slip off of his back. He curled around him protectively, giving Dixie an uneasy and upset look.
“I get that we had to do something, but… ugh, never mind, you can’t understand me.” He growled softly.
He gave Indigo a gentle nuzzle and watched as the wound sealed itself. Indigo remained unmoving, however.
Mar 10, 2020
Dixie tilted his head and watched for a few moments, and then cracked a joint section of the weapon open, manually rotated a dual cylinder around, and then jammed a small, metallic tube into the empty slot, before clicking it shut again. He raised his eyes, and glanced at Farris. “Just knocked out then?”
“What the hel was that?!” Farris said in some shock. “It was like a zippleback explosion!”  
“Eh…” Dixie shrugged. “It was a zippleback back explosion with a marble in front of it yeah.”
Farris seemed torn. “Such a savage attack to risk for someone who needs to stand trial.”
“Need…” Dixie held up a well groomed finger. “Is a very, subjective, word for this particular man Farris. I’ll see him face his crimes sure, but not at the expense of any more of my employees, their families, or my property, he’s destroyed enough of that already. If he lives, he can face trial, but I have plenty of shots for whenever whatever that was decides to kick back up again.” He glanced at Storm. “Let’s go…”
Mar 10, 2020
Storm gave Dixie a flat glare and moved his wing and tail to protect Indigo, gently nudging the Phantom. He clearly didn't want to go anywhere yet.
"Absolutely not, he's out cold, and I'm going to protect him." He stated curtly. Storm refused to let anyone get close. "Sorry Indigo, I should have noticed something was up." He murmured softly.
Category:BOTGD 2
Category:Events
Category:Act I
Category:Indigo Phantom
Category:Dixie Donz
Category:Farris
Category:Storm