2 -
We will remain free
In that we shall never fall beneath the weight of shackles
The soul can withstand so much more than that.
We are forever trapped
in that we cannot move beneath the weight of our own guilt
The soul will shatter from so much less than that.
I didn't fool myself with illusions of grandeur, or glory in success, you know.
I just did what I was told, for the cause.
It just seemed r i g h t.
But corruption is everywhere.
T r u s t is something to be earned.
Until then, you are just another suspect for Everything That Is Wrong In This World.
There is one person who makes everything okay again.
She is his one friend, companion, and love.
The light which casts the S H A D O W
So to speak.
N A M E: Kathius
A G E: Nineteen plus two-hundred and fifty-three
G E N D E R: Male
A P P E A R A N C E 1:A form of mere shadow and light; simplified in shape. This form was granted to him by Archis.
A P P E A R A N C E 2: A brown, fur-covered draik, with black stripes running down his spine. His wings have a skeletal-appearance (he cannot fly), and one of them is broken.
At the moment, this form takes energy on Archis' behalf.
B I R T H P L A C E: Qasala
B I R T H D A Y: Unknown
P E R S O N A L I T Y: While he is generally wary of everyone, Kathius is not against socializing with others entirely. He prefers the company of Archis above all, and could be considered by some ridiculously protective of her.
In his younger years, Kathius jumped into action before diplomatic reasoning, and while he has grown in his maturity to a certain extent, he can seem a bit aggressive at times.
Namely, a mindset believing: the fastest way to get other people to comply is typically physical force.
But he tries not to rely on others much anyways.
(Besides Archis.)
He seems to view most situations from a serious standpoint, but will sometimes lighten up when Archis is near by.
F O U N D: Traveling with Archis, where ever she wants to go.
Chapter 1
Tick. Tock // Tick. Tock
Elrin, how long are we going to hide like this? Every moment we just spend waiting is a moment the council becomes stronger.
As long as we have to, Kathius, the Zafara replied calmy.
Elrin's nails tapped on the wooden surface of their table while his eyes scanned a piece of parchment held in the other hand.
He then glanced up, noticed the look of contempt on Kathius' face, and added in an attempt of reassurance, It shouldn't be too long now.
Kathius glare intensified further when Elrin returned his focus to the papers, but he settled to simply roll his eyes and look away with a huff.
By the way, said Elrin suddenly, still not looking up at his irritated companion, I need you to meet someone later today.
Meet as in 'Hey, Elrin says hi', or-
Meet as in meet, he replied, holding out another small piece of parchment. About one hour after sunset.
Kathius contemplated this for a moment, examined what was given to him, memorized the information written, and saw no response more fitting than, And then what?
The Zafara sighed.
And then what?
Elrin made a point to try and plan things out to the best of his ability, but last he'd checked he lacked the ability to foresee into the future.
Which meant he lacked the answer Kathius wanted.
So he'd just have to settle for being glared at.
I don't know.
Kathius glared.
You're reminding me of a child who gets upset when a game doesn't go the way they want.
Adults get pretty ticked off in games too, said Kathius pointedly.
You have the sarcastic tongue of one as well.
Kathius hopped down from the table and started his way towards the door.
I just don't like the feeling of running in place, Elrin, he said.
I look around me and the scenery looks exactly the same. Same Desert. Same Council.
Same chains holding everyone down.
Elrin glanced up from his papers and watched Kathius leave the room.
Don't do anything stupid, Kathius!
The Zafara rose from his seat, leaning over the table as he yelled out of the room.
Don't let your impatience get you killed!
And barely audible, he heard Kathius' voice echo back off the sandstone walls.
Wouldn't dream of it.
Kathius stared into the sky, now covered in hues of oranges and pinks bleeding together as the sun gave its usual spectacular show for the last few minutes it could be seen.
His tail was swaying lightly from over the roof of a tall housing complex he'd decided to watch from on the edge of the city, and from any outside perspective he simply looked like a young Draik who'd decided to take a rest somewhere they shouldn't be.
But Kathius chose this spot with a fair amount of reasoning behind it.
For one thing, it was high enough to give him a good view spanning a pretty large radius.
Secondly, there was usually a nice breeze up there around that hour.
The sun finally disappeared completely,
and Kathius' head dropped on his paws with a groan.
He'd only been waiting for about twenty minutes so far...
an hour was going to feel like an eternity.
Kathius pushed himself up to his feet, paced back and forth on the edge of the building a few times, and finally decided waiting there wasn't helping him at all.
If all he could do was sit and wait for time to pass by, only leaving his mind to think on one single thing was just going to make it go by slower.
He gave a short hop to the next building over, and using the broken ladders scattered down the sides, made his way back to the ground to head towards the bazaar.
Kathius would have to head in this direction anyways, and the commotion of people still out and about would at least help distract him for a short while.
Kathius regretted this immediately.
For he was forced to recall in the form of rewitnessing that there was very little to see in the bazaar at this time of day besides the worst results of the Council's rule in their city.
He stepped up to the dry fountain in the center of the plaza, and took his seat around the side. From there he could see two elderly characters – a famished Skeith and Scorchio slowly making their way to the alleyway they lived in, and a younger Wocky scarfing down the last scraps of bread they'd managed to gather that day.
Not too far away the fresh corpse of an old Cybunny lay for the morning, when the local guard would drag it to the further outskirts of the city, and Kathius watched as a group of children examined for any leftover coins or food.
He sighed and rested his head on his paws again.
Between the options given to him, Kathius would really just rather suffer through waiting for time to pass by at whatever speed it saw fit.
He'd wait, and wait, and wait...
Stop it! Let me go!
Kathius lifted his head lazily and looked back towards the dead Cybunny.
The three kids he spotted there earlier were being pulled away by an older Krawk – maybe a few years beyond Kathius' age.
Upon further inspection, Kathius noticed he was trying to pull away the dead Mallard they'd managed to find with the corpse.
He almost considered helping the children, but by then time didn't favor the option.
And Kathius was forced to set contemplating what a cruel sense of humor irony to the back of his mind as he left to meet up with Elrin's acquaintance.
His name was Crei.
He was an owner of the most successful food stall of the bazaar – considering he was the only one the council's palace did business with itself – and often served as an informant between the rebels and their spies within the palace walls.
And now he was dead.
It had seemed that Crei's values were beginning to change,
and the information he supplied could no longer be trusted.
At first this caused mere suspicion,
but clearly Elrin realized he was causing more harm than good.
Kathius spat out a few strands of fur left in his mouth from snapping Crei's neck, and quickly dragged the Kyrii's corpse to the side of the alleyway.
He then set the Kyrii's left paw over his mouth, as was typical for the rebellion's signature.
This is what happens when you try and silence your people…
They fight to silence you right back.
That's what Elrin had said anyways.
He always spoke that way when addressing their group as more of a whole, but Kathius saw the state he was really in.
Elrin was exhausted, and worn down.
Every second of his time was spent plotting, and it was rare things went the way they really wanted.
But lately he was seeming more and more lively about their situation – perhaps things were going to change soon.
Kathius suddenly snapped out of his musing when he realized someone was watching him, and turned to see the Krawk from earlier staring at him from the end of the alleyway.
Without hesitation Kathius was there in an instant, the Krawk's throat pinned beneath his claws.
Wait! Wait! he croaked out, desperately trying to shove Kathius off of him.
He hesitated, but lifted his grip enough to let the Krawk speak. I won't tell a soul what I just saw, you have my word.
I'm sure that's worth pure gold in whatever world you live-
No, I swear it! And I won't follow you to wherever you go, the Krawk wheezed with the hint of a smirk forming across his mouth. I support your cause.
Kathius took a wary step back, keeping a careful eye on the shady character.
He noticed a fair amount of scars on his arms and legs, meaning he was probably not the most popular Krawk in the city.
The name's Minos; I know your friend Elrin, the Krawk explained, slowly raising back to his feet.
He gave a few overexaggerated coughs, rubbing his throat. That's a nice grip you've got there...
Kathius ignored the obvious request for his name and hissed, What do you want?
Ah, yes, he said, What I want...well I'm afraid I may have given a slightly off impression lately to your good friend.
A terrible misunderstanding really, but I'm sure that from his point of view I look mighty suspicious right now.
He snorted and gave a wheezy laugh, Downright guilty perhaps.
Kathius continued to watch him silently, unamused.
All I want is a bit of immunity, so to speak.
I wouldn't be surprised if he sends you out to kill me soon – that is what you do, isn't it? You're the attack dog?
Kathius rolled his eyes and began his way out of the alley, before the Krawk's hand was holding him back by the shoulder.
His first temptation was to turn back and bite him, but Kathius merely looked back with a sharp glare, waiting for the Krawk to release him.
Do we have an agreement then? In exchange for me not mentioning this to anyone, you leave me be for a few days.
His mouth curled into a toothy grin, No unnecessary deaths or attention towards you.
Sure, no problem, now get off me, said Kathius before pushing himself out of the Krawks' grip.
It's a deal, he added, before disappearing from sight.
The Krawk held a smug grin and looked down at the dead Kyrii, Should have been smarter with your friends, eh?
Kathius!
Elrin gave a wary smile as the Draik walked into the room.
A few other characters were there now – a large, rather intimidating Grarrl who Kathius had rarely had the chance to speak with, and Ree, the talkative young Kougra who seemed to spend as much of her time near Elrin as possible were now sitting on either side of the scrawny Zafara.
Meanwhile, a small commotion was going on from the opposite side of the table, as other members of the rebellion discussed their latest findings and worries.
I trust everything went smoothly, said Elrin, as Kathius took his seat beside the large Grarrl.
Naturally.
This was more than enough for Elrin, who rarely ever even bothered to ask.
He reached for another rolled up piece of parchment, explaining that he had another target for Kathius, but the Draik interrupted before he could finish.
Give this one to Ree.
Elrin glanced towards Ree, who shrugged and joined him in curious look back at Kathius.
My paws are tied for this one, Kathius explained simply.
He looked towards Elrin and nodded, I'll explain later.
Elrin sighed and shook his head. Always making things just a bit more complicated.
He set the piece of parchment before Ree, Very well.
You'll be meeting with a Krawk by the name of Minos before morning comes.
As long as we have to, Kathius, the Zafara replied calmy.
Elrin's nails tapped on the wooden surface of their table while his eyes scanned a piece of parchment held in the other hand.
He then glanced up, noticed the look of contempt on Kathius' face, and added in an attempt of reassurance, It shouldn't be too long now.
Kathius glare intensified further when Elrin returned his focus to the papers, but he settled to simply roll his eyes and look away with a huff.
By the way, said Elrin suddenly, still not looking up at his irritated companion, I need you to meet someone later today.
Meet as in 'Hey, Elrin says hi', or-
Meet as in meet, he replied, holding out another small piece of parchment. About one hour after sunset.
Kathius contemplated this for a moment, examined what was given to him, memorized the information written, and saw no response more fitting than, And then what?
The Zafara sighed.
And then what?
Elrin made a point to try and plan things out to the best of his ability, but last he'd checked he lacked the ability to foresee into the future.
Which meant he lacked the answer Kathius wanted.
So he'd just have to settle for being glared at.
I don't know.
Kathius glared.
You're reminding me of a child who gets upset when a game doesn't go the way they want.
Adults get pretty ticked off in games too, said Kathius pointedly.
You have the sarcastic tongue of one as well.
Kathius hopped down from the table and started his way towards the door.
I just don't like the feeling of running in place, Elrin, he said.
I look around me and the scenery looks exactly the same. Same Desert. Same Council.
Same chains holding everyone down.
Elrin glanced up from his papers and watched Kathius leave the room.
Don't do anything stupid, Kathius!
The Zafara rose from his seat, leaning over the table as he yelled out of the room.
Don't let your impatience get you killed!
And barely audible, he heard Kathius' voice echo back off the sandstone walls.
Wouldn't dream of it.
Kathius stared into the sky, now covered in hues of oranges and pinks bleeding together as the sun gave its usual spectacular show for the last few minutes it could be seen.
His tail was swaying lightly from over the roof of a tall housing complex he'd decided to watch from on the edge of the city, and from any outside perspective he simply looked like a young Draik who'd decided to take a rest somewhere they shouldn't be.
But Kathius chose this spot with a fair amount of reasoning behind it.
For one thing, it was high enough to give him a good view spanning a pretty large radius.
Secondly, there was usually a nice breeze up there around that hour.
The sun finally disappeared completely,
and Kathius' head dropped on his paws with a groan.
He'd only been waiting for about twenty minutes so far...
an hour was going to feel like an eternity.
Kathius pushed himself up to his feet, paced back and forth on the edge of the building a few times, and finally decided waiting there wasn't helping him at all.
If all he could do was sit and wait for time to pass by, only leaving his mind to think on one single thing was just going to make it go by slower.
He gave a short hop to the next building over, and using the broken ladders scattered down the sides, made his way back to the ground to head towards the bazaar.
Kathius would have to head in this direction anyways, and the commotion of people still out and about would at least help distract him for a short while.
Kathius regretted this immediately.
For he was forced to recall in the form of rewitnessing that there was very little to see in the bazaar at this time of day besides the worst results of the Council's rule in their city.
He stepped up to the dry fountain in the center of the plaza, and took his seat around the side. From there he could see two elderly characters – a famished Skeith and Scorchio slowly making their way to the alleyway they lived in, and a younger Wocky scarfing down the last scraps of bread they'd managed to gather that day.
Not too far away the fresh corpse of an old Cybunny lay for the morning, when the local guard would drag it to the further outskirts of the city, and Kathius watched as a group of children examined for any leftover coins or food.
He sighed and rested his head on his paws again.
Between the options given to him, Kathius would really just rather suffer through waiting for time to pass by at whatever speed it saw fit.
He'd wait, and wait, and wait...
Stop it! Let me go!
Kathius lifted his head lazily and looked back towards the dead Cybunny.
The three kids he spotted there earlier were being pulled away by an older Krawk – maybe a few years beyond Kathius' age.
Upon further inspection, Kathius noticed he was trying to pull away the dead Mallard they'd managed to find with the corpse.
He almost considered helping the children, but by then time didn't favor the option.
And Kathius was forced to set contemplating what a cruel sense of humor irony to the back of his mind as he left to meet up with Elrin's acquaintance.
His name was Crei.
He was an owner of the most successful food stall of the bazaar – considering he was the only one the council's palace did business with itself – and often served as an informant between the rebels and their spies within the palace walls.
And now he was dead.
It had seemed that Crei's values were beginning to change,
and the information he supplied could no longer be trusted.
At first this caused mere suspicion,
but clearly Elrin realized he was causing more harm than good.
Kathius spat out a few strands of fur left in his mouth from snapping Crei's neck, and quickly dragged the Kyrii's corpse to the side of the alleyway.
He then set the Kyrii's left paw over his mouth, as was typical for the rebellion's signature.
This is what happens when you try and silence your people…
They fight to silence you right back.
That's what Elrin had said anyways.
He always spoke that way when addressing their group as more of a whole, but Kathius saw the state he was really in.
Elrin was exhausted, and worn down.
Every second of his time was spent plotting, and it was rare things went the way they really wanted.
But lately he was seeming more and more lively about their situation – perhaps things were going to change soon.
Kathius suddenly snapped out of his musing when he realized someone was watching him, and turned to see the Krawk from earlier staring at him from the end of the alleyway.
Without hesitation Kathius was there in an instant, the Krawk's throat pinned beneath his claws.
Wait! Wait! he croaked out, desperately trying to shove Kathius off of him.
He hesitated, but lifted his grip enough to let the Krawk speak. I won't tell a soul what I just saw, you have my word.
I'm sure that's worth pure gold in whatever world you live-
No, I swear it! And I won't follow you to wherever you go, the Krawk wheezed with the hint of a smirk forming across his mouth. I support your cause.
Kathius took a wary step back, keeping a careful eye on the shady character.
He noticed a fair amount of scars on his arms and legs, meaning he was probably not the most popular Krawk in the city.
The name's Minos; I know your friend Elrin, the Krawk explained, slowly raising back to his feet.
He gave a few overexaggerated coughs, rubbing his throat. That's a nice grip you've got there...
Kathius ignored the obvious request for his name and hissed, What do you want?
Ah, yes, he said, What I want...well I'm afraid I may have given a slightly off impression lately to your good friend.
A terrible misunderstanding really, but I'm sure that from his point of view I look mighty suspicious right now.
He snorted and gave a wheezy laugh, Downright guilty perhaps.
Kathius continued to watch him silently, unamused.
All I want is a bit of immunity, so to speak.
I wouldn't be surprised if he sends you out to kill me soon – that is what you do, isn't it? You're the attack dog?
Kathius rolled his eyes and began his way out of the alley, before the Krawk's hand was holding him back by the shoulder.
His first temptation was to turn back and bite him, but Kathius merely looked back with a sharp glare, waiting for the Krawk to release him.
Do we have an agreement then? In exchange for me not mentioning this to anyone, you leave me be for a few days.
His mouth curled into a toothy grin, No unnecessary deaths or attention towards you.
Sure, no problem, now get off me, said Kathius before pushing himself out of the Krawks' grip.
It's a deal, he added, before disappearing from sight.
The Krawk held a smug grin and looked down at the dead Kyrii, Should have been smarter with your friends, eh?
Kathius!
Elrin gave a wary smile as the Draik walked into the room.
A few other characters were there now – a large, rather intimidating Grarrl who Kathius had rarely had the chance to speak with, and Ree, the talkative young Kougra who seemed to spend as much of her time near Elrin as possible were now sitting on either side of the scrawny Zafara.
Meanwhile, a small commotion was going on from the opposite side of the table, as other members of the rebellion discussed their latest findings and worries.
I trust everything went smoothly, said Elrin, as Kathius took his seat beside the large Grarrl.
Naturally.
This was more than enough for Elrin, who rarely ever even bothered to ask.
He reached for another rolled up piece of parchment, explaining that he had another target for Kathius, but the Draik interrupted before he could finish.
Give this one to Ree.
Elrin glanced towards Ree, who shrugged and joined him in curious look back at Kathius.
My paws are tied for this one, Kathius explained simply.
He looked towards Elrin and nodded, I'll explain later.
Elrin sighed and shook his head. Always making things just a bit more complicated.
He set the piece of parchment before Ree, Very well.
You'll be meeting with a Krawk by the name of Minos before morning comes.
Blah, character analysis here later.
Reference
As a human:
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm280/Scazzeh/Kathiusreference2.jpg
This is a bit outdated - okay, really outdated. New reference eventually.
Which may mean never.
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f353/Fleaur/Shadow_Referencesheet.png
Fanart
Adoptables go here 83
Random other stuff nobody cares about is going here...
Never let the world hold you down.
The only chains you should ever wear
are the ones you create yourself.
And you'll have to figure out how to break free of those
All on your own some day.
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