Relief Effort

"Relief Effort" is a [SEASON NUMBER] thread written on [IRL DATE].
==Summary==
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==Full Text==
Farris had to admit, working for Dixie’s organization had not been unpleasant. Granted, the man himself reminded him like a knife being drawn across someone’s neck when it came to the world of business, but his associates, working conditions, and pay were satisfactory enough that he could live with it. 
He had spent the last few days helping the people of the ‘not attacked’ villages prepare for potential, phantom related, threats. At that moment he was helping in a relief food line to assist in the feeding of the refugees from the burned down towns. 
I do wonder how my young dragon friend is doing…this is far from what I imagined myself doing when it came to vanquishing evil…but somehow…this has given me a greater sense of peace.
@furibotgd
Feb 20, 2020
Indigo peered into the town, hoping not to be spotted from the alleyway he was crouched in. He spotted Farris after having waited there for hours and sighed softly.
This was it.
He reached out, hoping he could reach Farris before the man wandered off.
Farris. Over here, in the alley. I ask you to speak with me. …I beg you to not attack me.
Indigo watched tensely, waiting and hoping Farris wouldn’t immediately attack him or bring attention to his hiding place.
Feb 20, 2020
Farris stiffened, and the slowly set the soup ladle he was using down. Peeling off an apron, he walked towards where the words seemed to be drawing him towards. “We shall see…” He growled. “What do you want?”
Feb 20, 2020
Indigo shrunk as Farris came around the corner and stared down at him, looking as though he may still draw a sword and attack. The Phantom took a deep breath.
Can we talk somewhere less… close to people? I promise I will not cause you any harm.
He held his hands up in a somewhat surrendering manner and gave Farris a pleading look.
Feb 20, 2020
Farris glanced back, and then moved to walk with him. “I don’t have long…nor will I stray too far away. But say your peace.”
Feb 20, 2020
Indigo backed up a little further away from the street, keeping Farris in view, and sat down. He unhooked his sword and sheath from his belt and set it aside.
“I… have a lot I want to say, but… I don’t know how to say it properly.” Indigo started, looking unsure. “A lot has happened to me in the past few days, and I’ve come to regret my recent actions. I let my anger and madness take me too far, further than I ever should have gone.”
He curled up slightly, looking incredibly upset. “I don’t know what to do, but I have to make it right and I don’t know how. I… I’m asking for your help.” Indigo paused. “Even… even if it means…”
The flames flickered around his head, and he began to shake. His mother’s face flickered in his head, and he had to try not to cry in front of Farris, avoiding looking at the half breed.
Never let the humans catch you.
“Even if it means I surrender.”
Feb 21, 2020
Farris was skeptical. Very much so. 
This is possible I suppose…if his family was threatened it could have caused him to gain some empathy. But I suspect I am missing something…
He opened his mouth, and looked unsure. “Phantom…Your regret, if true, is admirable. I will not lie, for your actions surrender is likely the very least of things you will have to offer…but it is also a start.” He drummed his fingers on his folded arms. “I cannot promise I can help you in a way you wish. But tell me how I might anyway so that I can evaluate your request.” 
Feb 21, 2020
Indigo turned to look up at him, eyes wide and a nervous look on his face. “You have things you regret doing as well, and you’ve been doing everything you can to give back.” He stiffened and rubbed a hand over his face.
“Your words and Tael’s got to me. I don’t want to lose my dragons, they’re all I have, and yet I managed to do that anyway. I need you help, because I’m broken all over, and I have no idea what I can do to fix what I did. I’m in constant pain, and I want it to stop.” Indigo was shaking more now, moments from bursting into tears. “I don’t want him to come back, I want to move on.”
Feb 21, 2020
I don’t want him to come back…
him to come back
him!
Rhenco’s face flashed in Farris’s mind and he shook his head with a start.
Could it be? Like myself was Indigo forced into his grievous actions as well? Does he have with someone else what I have with Rhenco? Or does he speak of himself and his own madness? 
Farris found his demeanor and openness to the Phantom’s plea change at these words. He looked over both shoulders, and then lowered his voice. “I will meet you after my shift.” He pulled out a small map. “I stay in this inn here, it is out of the main town. Come into my window so no one sees you, room four. When you get there…I imagine we will tell each other our stories, and find a way to fix this.”
Feb 21, 2020
Indigo hesitated slightly but nodded. He have Farris a grateful look. “Thank you, Farris. I may find it… difficult to tell you everything, but I will try.”
He wiped tears out of his eyes and stood slowly, shaking.
“I hope that… there’s a way.” He murmured, fear clear in his voice. “I’m tired of being lost in my own head.” He stated.
Feb 21, 2020
I know that feeling…
Farris then backed away and got back to his work. He wrapped up as quickly as he could, however, and hurried back to the inn. After making sure his meeting with Indigo would be private, he cracked open his window, and lit a candle on the frame to wait for him. 
Feb 21, 2020
Phantom sat on the roof for a short time, trying to relax and join Farris. He had to do this, he wanted to do this. It terrified him, and he sat there shaking for a while. He knew Farris was waiting for him. And for once, not to kill him.
After he figured he was calm enough to not have a panic attack, he slipped down the roof and into the window, landing gracefully and trying to keep from freaking out again.
“Well, I… I’m here.” Indigo stated, giving a nervous and slightly crazy laugh, his hands shaking as he sat down on the floor. “Fine… fine evening, isn’t it.”
Feb 21, 2020
“We shall see,” Farris said evenly, still skeptical. “Even floor of negotiation, I can tell you my story or you can tell me yours. We shall find what we have in common. We shall see if there is anything that could even be done to rectify your crimes in the eyes of a court.”  
Feb 21, 2020
Indigo had to take a deep breath to keep from panicking again. The stress was getting to him, and he was just terrified of what could happen if this didn’t go well. If Farris attacked him, and he snapped back. He didn’t want to go back.
“Yeah. Okay.” He braced himself and tried to explain his story without losing composure too much. “Guess I should start… start from what mother told me. She found me as nothing more than a hatchling, abandoned and thrown aside like… like I didn’t matter. She’d recently lost her own children to some hunters, so she took me in. She raised me as best she could, but… when I was still a young teen-” He broke off, flames growing and his eyes glowing purple.
“Some hunters attacked and killed her. I ran for it when she told me too, and swore I’d kill them for taking her. I broke that day. I honed my magic as best I could for about a year, but when I went back to take vengeance, I quickly found it more than I could handle. I found myself dying quickly, and…”
Indigo closed his eyes and stiffened as if he was reliving it. “I died, but I wasn’t done. I wasn’t going to let them win. My soul caught flame, I came back, fueled by rage, and murdered them. I’ve been going mad for the couple centuries since, as I’ve never been whole since, and I… I miss love. I managed to uncloud my mind recently and come somewhat to my senses, but I may slip back in, so I want to make it right while I can. There. Now you know.” Indigo folded and rested his head on his knees, looking defeated and small. “I’m sorry.”
Feb 22, 2020
Farris was quiet as he let the words settle over him, and then pulled a small chest over so he could sit on it next to the phantom. “I…” He began hesitantly. “I was just a boy when my family was kidnapped by a mad alchemist. We were living in peace in rebellion controlled lands, but still faced hardships with Central. I’d go through everything the likes of Darien did all over again to avoid the hand of Rhenco though.”
“He trapped us in this mansion like hotel, and used his strange magic to keep us from dying even when mortally wounded.” He rolled up his sleeves to reveal thick, vertical scars on his underarms. “He…um…he tortured and dehumanized us, and used a crafted sickness known as Red Card to force us to do unholy and unnatural things. I myself was made into a murdering cannibal. The whole place was in constant darkness. It smelled of blood and everything was…was…” 
Farris shook his head. “I could spend hours describing the stomaching turning sensations I witnessed there. But you see the point. We were trapped there for a decade until finally freed, and the Red Card purged from our system.”
Farris became quiet. There was still plenty to discuss, but for now he let Indigo’s story, and his own, settle in his mind. 
Feb 22, 2020
Indigo was quiet as well, hands folded together in thought, as he rocked back and forth slightly. He understood Farris quite a bit more now.
“We really do have something in common. You were enslaved by a madman, and so was I. Only difference is my madman is me.” He laughed sadly, ending in kind of a sad whimper.
“Sorry for trying to kill you those other times, Farris. Hopefully that’s not a thing that happens again.” He stated softly. “You’re someone I can respect.”
Feb 22, 2020
Farris made an odd hum in the back of his throat. He was clearly perplexed. “I’m not sure what to do with you Phantom…My madness came from a sickness, yours appeared to come from death. Mine against those kidnapped by another, yours wholesale slaughter.”
He stood up and began to pace. “Is your clarity of mind truly a freeing of a madness beyond your control? Or is it because you finally saw reason? Either way may be too late considering what’s happened. So…what is there to do?”
Feb 22, 2020
Indigo stared blankly outwards, shivering slightly. “I know I am beyond help. I had hoped you would have an idea of how to fix this, but…” He told Farris quietly. “I am incredibly broken, and… I don’t think my madness can ever truly leave me. I can’t die, either. It’s probably best you find the deepest, darkest, most secure place in the world, and put me away forever. That way I can’t keep hurting people, and…” Indigo began to cry, unable to hold himself together for much longer.
“That way I can’t hurt anyone.” He whispered, trying to stay calm. “I can’t be fixed, so just… put me somewhere and forget about me, before I snap again.”
Feb 23, 2020
Farris had no idea what to do with a crying man, but his heart could scarcely take it, even after everything he had done.
He held out his hands placating. “We must…we must find a cure to your madness. It is important, just as you answering for your crimes is important…” he swallowed once as he thought, and then placed his hands together.
“Of course….you could be a prisoner of the rebellion. They are just, and will ensure your dragons are not persecuted. They have the best chance of finding the root of your madness…and dountless you will pay for what you have done…it is the best choice I can think of.”
Feb 23, 2020
Indigo looked up at Farris, wiping the tears out of his eyes and sniffling. “I… I’d love to be free… and…” He frowned. “I don’t really deserve any of that, now do I?”
He held a hand in front of his face, a thoughtful and sad look in his eyes. “I guess it’s the only thing that I can do. Who knows, maybe there is something that can help me.”
He was afraid, shaking with terror, but nodded. “Okay. I shall let my dragons know, and then surrender to the Haligan chief. And… hopefully I won’t be able to hurt anyone.”
He managed to get himself to his feet, and looked down at himself with a small sigh. “Would you do me a favor and take care of my armor? It’s very… very special to me. I shall go in human clothes, if I can find any, and perhaps that will help me.”
Feb 23, 2020
Farris has to remind himself to keep his pity in check. This man had murdered children after all. However, a part of him still wanted to believe his madness was like the red card, and therefore beyond his control.
“I will hold your armor for you if you wish…I can even meet you at the rebellion for your arrest, my father works there, so it will be good to see him as well.” His lips moved grimly, for if indigos insanity could not be properly plead, he would likely be executed.
Feb 23, 2020
Phantom nodded with a small sigh and started taking off his armor. "I may need someone to encourage me, and I'd rather it be you, in all honesty. I... I only hope that things don't go badly, as... as I just don't want to get worse again. It's possible the fear of being locked away forever may get to me eventually. Having you there to talk me down may help, although..." He paused.
"Tael would be handy to have near as well. He... he managed to snap me out of it in the first place, unintentionally echoing your words. He cares for me, and knows... my past as well. Perhaps I will ask him to help me when I visit the flock... for what may be the last time."
He took a deep breath and took off the last of the armor pieces, now just in his hooded shirt, pants, and gloves. "Now, where should I find something more humble to wear?"
Farris sighed. “I cannot guarantee you any kindness Phantom…and despite myself, I am sorry for that.”
He pressed his lips together. “I cannot abandon my new work so soon though…but perhaps taking you to Dixie, the man pushing so hard for your arrest, will enable me to earn an absence to turn you in to the rebellion…we would have to go immediately, lest I be accused of harboring a fugitive.” 
@furibotgd
Feb 24, 2020
Indigo nodded with a small sigh. “Whatever needs to be done, I suppose.” He rubbed a hand over his scarred head, trying to appear calmer than he was. He glanced up at Farris. “You wouldn’t happen to know where I could get something to wear that’s less conspicuous, would you? It’d be helpful to blend in more.”
He was attempting to keep from dwelling on his unsure future, still shaken up and afraid. Best to keep his mind busy.
I really want to do this, but I really wish I didn’t have to. 
He thought to himself, not wondering if Farris could hear his thoughts, as he wasn’t really being quiet about them.
I just wish I could be fixed, is all. What a mess I’ve gotten myself in… I much rather would die than be locked away for eternity with my insanity with no companions, but I suppose it’s all I have left… 
He pulled his gloves off, staring down at his clawed, ugly hands, regret in his eyes.
Feb 24, 2020
Farris scrounged up a long coat. It was far too big for the phantom, but it was enough to fully cover it, and wasn’t too peculiar looking given the style of the garment. “This will have to do…” The half breed sighed, and then opened the door to the room. “Use the attached hood to hide your face, we must make haste.” 
Feb 24, 2020
Phantom nodded and put the coat on, hiding as much of himself in it as he could, and followed Farris.
“Is there time to say anything to my dragons? I want them to know what’s going on and that I’m okay. I should also let them know that killing all of humanity is not in my plans anymore.”
Hopefully. I dare to hope this is the end of that. 
Indigo met Farris’ eyes, wringing his hands together. “I want to at least say goodbye. Just… you know.” He motioned. “They’re important to me, more than anything else in the world. I… want them to understand.”
I wish I could have time to apologize to Sharp and the others I hurt as well…
Feb 24, 2020
Farris didn’t look certain as they quietly made their way out of the inn. “I…I cannot be certain of what will be permitted in the moments leading to your arrest…but I am sure the people of the rebellion would allow such a liberty. They are not beyond reason in that way…”
The two traveled along the pathways through the night, and eventually made it to the site of the first village Indigo had destroyed, where Farris had heard Dixie had made camp, although for the reason he didn’t know. 
That was reason was made apparent though quickly enough…
There was a shuffle of movement as they approached by people in torchlight, they were movements of initial aggression, before they quickly calmed upon seeing that it was two human figures. 
Near the center of the town was a captured dragon…Storm.
Feb 24, 2020
Indigo stiffened with horror when he saw Storm, chained and muzzled, probably because of the fight the dragon had given.
Storm seemed to sense Indigo was close by and opened his eyes, staring groggily around.
Storm, they have Storm!
Indigo had to focus to keep himself from springing to action. He hated seeing Storm like that, but… he had to stay calm, he had to hold himself together.
One slip, and…
It wouldn’t be pleasant for anyone.
If he let his anger come right back, it would only cause more pain.
He forced the flames down and waited for Farris to make a move, despite the frustration.
Feb 24, 2020
Farris looked at him with wide eyes, and then back over towards the scene. “The people I said who were targeting your dragons, this is them, but I didn’t know they already had taken one prisoner.” He told him quickly, and then held out a placating hand. “I’ll talk to him.”
Across from them, Dixie pushed himself out of a tent. He was wearing a glorious, gold colored bathrobe, slippers, and looked as though he had some kind of mud smeared on his face. Farris found himself faltering in words as he tried to speak to his new boss. “Sir I…oh…um, I have…the Phantom is…”
Dixie clicked his fingers and passively waved a hand to show Farris he had figured out what was happening on his own. He raised his head, seemingly un-bothered with how he looked. “Mr. Indigo…Indigo…nice to finally meet.”
Feb 24, 2020
Indigo was displeased to say the least, but held himself together. “Call me Phantom.” He told the weird man. “I don’t know who you are.” He glanced at Farris, wondering if the half breed would say anything else for him, or if he had to do the rest.
When Farris didn’t seem to make a move at first, looking somewhat flustered and unsure, he took a step forward with his hands up.
“I’m surrendering. But to the Haligans, not you. I’ve been told they’re my best option. Since I’m standing down, I’d appreciate you letting my friend there go.” He gestured to Storm, who was awake now and staring in shock at what he could tell Phantom was saying.
Everything in the dragon’s face read an incredulous and flabbergasted surprise at an apparent surrender of his boss, who’d just appeared again out of nowhere.
Feb 24, 2020
Dixie folded his arms and gave Indigo a quizzical look, and then glanced at Farris. “So why are you both here?”
Farris cleared his throat. “Um…well sir, I was going to ensure his arrival at the rebellion, but I didn’t want to appear needlessly absent from work.”
Dixie stroked his pointed beard. “The surrender of a mass killer is viable grounds Farris, take the days you need to get it done. I’m sure if I was paying you well enough you’ll come back.” He then turned to Indigo. He met his eyes in a cold silence for a moment. “Alright, cool, release the dragon.”
A few of Dixie’s mercenaries glanced at one another with a look that clearly captured a ‘ooh boy, I hope he’s sure about this, but whatever’ feeling, and stepped over to undo the restraints on Storm.
Feb 24, 2020
Storm snarled at the human until Indigo held a hand up to silently signal that it was okay, but then they both froze.
Indigo shifted, looking nervous for a moment, then his eyes widened and he looked to the skies.
“No, not-!”
There were furious roars from above, and the small remainder of Indigo’s flock landed around the area, attacking any human they could, while a couple ran to rescue Storm. Chaos erupted quickly, as the dragons were fully into their rescue mission.
They couldn’t have picked a worse time to try and rescue Storm. Scarface was roaring orders, throwing humans aside in his attack.
Feb 24, 2020
“No!” Farris bellowed at them, seeing that Dixie’s men were already retaliating to save their lives. “NO stop! Indigo is here!”
Dixie’s eyes snapped onto Indigo’s, something in his gaze had changed. “Stop them…two seconds…one…”
Feb 24, 2020
Indigo stepped forward and stared at the Furies, already quite stressed.
STOP!
He all but roared with his mind, aiming it at man and dragon. Every Fury froze, knowing that voice all too well and turning to face where Indigo was standing, surprised. Indigo aimed his next words at the dragons only.
Everyone back off. Now.
He stared around, satisfied when no dragon attacked. Scarface in particular looked quite startled.
“Indigo! You’re… you’re okay!” 
Stay quiet and hold still. You already made this more difficult for everyone, including Storm. Don’t attack. 
He met Dixie’s eyes. “There. They’ve stopped. Make sure your men are okay.”
His mental state was starting to shake from the stress. Why the dragons were making such as miscalculation was beyond him.
He had to stay calm…
Feb 25, 2020
Dixie calmly slipped his odd, pipe-like weapon, back into his robes, and huffed a sigh. “Is anyone dead?” He called to his men.
“I am.” An answer came.
“Oh that’s cute.” Dixie rolled his eyes dryly. After a careful glance around, he determined that no one had been seriously hurt on account of Indigo’s quick work. He was glad he decided to give the dragons and phantom alike those last two seconds. He pressed his finger tips together. “You know…I think we all deserve safe passage for this…Farris, Phantom, Furys…me and a handful of folk will accompany you to the rebellion. I have a cousin, pretty much cousin in law, and a biscuit to say hello to anyway…” 
Feb 25, 2020
Indigo actually relaxed a bit at this, looking happier for a moment because his dragons could come with him, but turned to the group of Furies.
“I need to speak with them. Please, release Storm so I may explain this to them. They deserve to be in the loop before we set off anywhere.” Phantom told Dixie, watching the dragons already begin backing away to the other side of the area, giving the humans space.
Feb 25, 2020
“You seem to think you and yours deserve a lot of things considering what we’re standing on…” Dixie said, almost coyly, but then tilted his head. “Alright though…since we’re all here. Speak freely.”
The restraints on Storm were fully pulled away. 
Feb 25, 2020
Indigo gave a grateful smile and wandered over to his group of dragons, happy to see them. Scarface approached Indigo with a relieved expression and spoke to him, motioning to Storm as well.
Indigo looked around at the group. “Im happy to see you all too, but first, which one of you decided that attacking while they had a hostage was a good idea?”
Storm seemed to agree with this, nodding. He gave Scarface a bit of a glare and motioned to the humans with a growl. Scarface drooped and nodded quietly, looking kind of put out.
“Anyway, to business.” Indigo started explaining the few days prior, and how he was now surrendering to the humans. The Furies all became completely shocked, seeming to have no idea why Indigo would do this all of a sudden.
“I never should have let myself go that far, and now I’m going to fix it. I’d appreciate any support from you all, but you don’t have to stay with me. All I ask is you stop attacking.” Indigo told them.
The dragons looked at each other, glancing around and still seeming surprised and now seeming uneasy. Scarface shook his head, baring his teeth and motioning to the humans. He turned and walked away from everyone, surprising Phantom quite a bit. After a moment, several of them followed, making it clear they weren’t following Indigo any more.
Eventually only Storm remained, standing next to Indigo and giving him a soft nudge when he didn’t move.
Feb 25, 2020
Dixie smoothed a hand over his bald head. “If they fight again…” He said, referring to the dragons that did not seem happy with Indigo’s call. “It will be their last.” He turned an almost catlike eye to a section of his mercenaries. “Tail them…long distance, just to be safe. And you Farris…when we are done delivering Indigo I’ll want you to have a careful eye out for all of them…ill intending humans, and dragons, alike.” 
He inhaled through his thin, sharp nose as he faced Indigo and Storm. “Well then…let’s take a walk.” Dixie paused as he gently touched his face. “Which is bullshit…considering this just now started to dry…whatever…I’ll get dressed.”
Feb 25, 2020
Indigo seemed far away, staring at the spot in the woods where they’d left, confused. He didn’t even seem to notice Dixie’s men following his dragons. Well, they used to be his dragons. It seemed they didn’t respect him because of his incredibly sudden change of direction.
Storm continued nudging him gently, trying to get him to move, but he seemed in another place entirely.
Was he going to lose everything and everyone?
Was he destined to be abandoned for his whole life?
He began to cry quietly, not moving from his spot, nor seeming to care how many humans could see him.
Nobody cares about me anymore. Not even the Furies… I change my mind and come to my senses and… and they abandon me. 
The pain was getting worse again.
Feb 25, 2020
Dixie regarded him calmly. “If its too much to deal with we can always find a way to kill you.”
Farris looked at his new boss with some appall. “Sir!”
“Sir was my grouchy cousin’s grandfather’s name, Dixie will do.” The man replied just as evenly. “Don’t let your heart suddenly get in the way of a viable option just because he’s crying. The families of these villages are crying too.”
“A heart is the only reason I was given a second chance in my own life.” Farris growled, his tone respectful, yet stern.
Dixie studied him, and then the Phantom again. “Perhaps so…” He mused, as if thinking of other things now. He then motioned a hand up the path that lead towards the rebellion. “After you…I’ll catch up in a minute.” 
Feb 25, 2020
Indigo eventually moved and turned to walk over to Farris. Storm followed, making sure to let Indigo he was still there. He'd decided not to leave the Phantom.
Indigo gave him a shaky smile as Storm gently nudged him. After a short hug, Storm let Indigo get on his back, and the dragon waited for Farris to lead the way.
Indigo remained silent, hugging against Storm's neck and still crying silently, memories echoing in his head and misery surrounded him like a storm cloud.
No matter what, he'd never be happy and he knew it.
Something awaited Indigo at Haligan, and it was most likely going to be unpleasant for him.
Indigo could feel him hanging over his head, ready for the next horrible thing to snap him back.
This wouldn't end well.
Category:BOTGD 2
Category:Events
Category:Act I
Category:Indigo Phantom
Category:Storm
Category:Dixie Donz
Category:Farris
Category:Scarface