EMPATH

GIANNA WREN FOXWOOD || 25 || Empath/Emotion Witch

[kaixfoxwood]

Sometimes, that's just how the shitty cookie crumbles. She's always been too big for her britches, Gianna, we know it and the council knew it. Why else would they intentionally hoard her talents and keep the secret going? Positive my hands came out bloody since the day I went through the birth canal, I have no problem adding another body on my long list.

[gianna-foxwood]

Yeah, well, if this is a shitty cookie, our entire life has just been one giant pack of shitty cookies. I'm worried that her talents will keep her alive if we don't get to her in time. I love you, you know that? If this were happening to you, I would fight just as hard. You and Azriel are my brothers– real jerks sometimes, I'm finding out, but I love you both with all my heart. Even if I get mad at you two sometimes.

[soullessxpandora]

Then we cut off access and destroy his way of getting in and out forever. Gianna, it is not your or your brother's responsibility to decide who lives and who dies by your judgement. I find it coincidental you cast the same vengeful net upon your enemies just as I have once upon a time, but darling girl, the more you spread the word is the greater chance you kickstart a witch hunt. You may think she deserves it in the name of your son and your brother, but the council did nothing but warp her into the weapon far longer than when you became a mere speck of an idea. She does not know how to operate without a coven. That does not excuse Emilia's actions by a long shot, however, I'll personally guarantee the punishment fits the crime. Even as you claim anything short from certain execution won't be enough.

[gianna-foxwood]

Then let a witch hunt start. That is not an excuse– the council hurt us all, and I find it mighty convenient that you're stepping in now to save one witch. An endless cycle that will never serve a true merit in the end. I ask again, what punishment will you be giving her? A home, shelter over her head, the love of a coven that should have existed since you abandoned it? Does my brother have to die for something extreme to happen, or does something have to happen to me at the hand of demons for you to look at an issue critically? This isn't just about my family, it's about the danger she poses to everyone, and you're not seeing it. If you let her go without severe consequences, she will do this again.

[robinxellis]

From a guy who's seen the coven bend and shape to what it was before the First Son leveled it, no one came out unscathed. Knowing your and Envy's story, it sounds rocky as hell, but it's worth it if that led you to where you are now. You found your person in Envy, and I found mine with Val.

You expect the worst possible scenario in my family. Growing up the way I did, there wasn't a happy light at the end of the tunnel. And when the First Mother claims someone is safe in her brothers' hands, then we don't doubt her. You know that i would hate normally putting you at an inconvenience, Gianna, but desperate measures. I want him out of my head.

[gianna-foxwood]

I don't doubt that in the slightest, every one of us has a scar or two from the coven and how it was operated. It is... strange, looking back and seeing where we came from, but the life we have right now is turning out beautiful despite the setbacks. Your father's time is coming soon, and then the two of you will be free to live the life you truly want, free and in the open.

It takes a lot to move away from that mentality, Robin. I know the feeling well, and the fact that you're trusting my word is a big step. I wouldn't have suggested it if I believed helping with the issue was an inconvenience. Normally, I would have my brother assist with warding the mind, but since he's busy, perhaps we can get Cael involved. If that doesn't work, I'll consult my grimoires. We'll find a way to get him out, I promise.

[cutthroatxramiel]

Sometimes, raising a little Hell keeps everyone alive, but I see how that doesn't benefit us as a family.

I wouldn't be just doing it because you asked it of me, love, I'd do it to keep her safe as I would myself or my wife. Bellora cannot possibly think she can snatch someone we care for and believe she can get away with it. However, I'll stay put for the time being. The trust you possess for your brother is enough that I will take your word. Well, I did not like the way you said...that. Gianna, what happened?

[gianna-foxwood]

You know people and their hubris– Bellora needs to think she has all the winning cards before it all comes tumbling down when she least expects it. My brothers will look out for Marina, it's true, but Marina will soon have a secondary job that has nothing to do with Bellora, and that's saving Azriel's life. There's an alternate version of him about to breach his mind and take control– the one where the other Emilia came from a while ago, Samael's father. He's the one who's supposed to kill Bellora.

[wickedlyxenvy]

Envy hummed softly in response, curtly nodding when he listened to his Queen's words before turning around and leaning against the edge of his desk. The next words falling from Gianna's lips sent his eyebrows lifting in surprise. "Well, you can't say she doesn't stick to patterns. Shit." First, Ulric and now, Azriel. While the role reversal on the latter's end reminded him of his time with a psychotic version of his own that Az would've preferred not to save him from, the fact he's Gianna's brother meant it was only the right thing saving him. "I wouldn't worry about that fucker killing me, sweetheart. I'd like to see him try." Envy released a huff and moved toward the woman, "My concern not only rests with what could come from an evil alter-ego, but with you and the Foxwood sibling protective rationale. Gi, how far are you planning to go to save Azriel? Be honest."

[gianna-foxwood]

"I would worry, and you need to. He has already killed you in his timeline, and he will again if you act bullheaded about it," Gianna said sharply. She knew she was dealing with demon Princes, but if there was one more of them that she told to be careful, to stay away, and they acted cavalier about it, she might blow a fuse. She could only think of how Isabel felt juggling all of them at once. She let out an indignant noise. It always boiled down to the name she carried when something happened to her family. The Foxwoods– irrationally protective of one another to a fault. It wasn't something she could entirely refute, but this... it needed to be done. "If anything and so much as a scrape on Azriel happens, Kai is ending Emilia's life." The sentence fell from her lips with not so much as a flinch. She wasn't proud of where the road was taking her, but things had to change. "This is the second time she's messed with my family after being let off easy last time. Emilia almost dragged our son down with her last time, Envy, and now she turns around and lets a psycho who can very much kill my brother from the inside out, as well as everyone else around him, parade in his body."

[kaixfoxwood]

I have to face you aren't a kid anymore. You are capable of making the hard decision and take a life for our family. We both trusted her, Gi, but I don't think she sees this as a betrayal and that's just me seeing what I see knowing the end product of malicious mind games. Azriel won't come out of this unscathed, so we're signing a guaranteed death sentence. I'm coming for her ass and I hope to fucking god she knows I'm coming. I'll take care of it.

[gianna-foxwood]

I wish this weren't in our hands, but we're the only ones who can make that choice and act on it. There comes a time when the puppet can still strangle others with the string held by the manipulator; it's not an excuse for her. Not really. I know you'll take care of it, you're the only one I can trust to do what needs to be done. I don't like putting more blood on your hands, but I would do it myself if I could.

[marinaxhartley]

Marina pressed her lips together, the corner of her mouth twitching in an amused smile while she mulled the thought over. "Delacroix has a nice ring to it too. I wouldn't mind changing my name either way."

Any amusement immediately drained from the young witch and replaced with a frigid chill that made its way down the length of her body. "No." That was the only word she could speak for a long pause, horror and confusion mixing with the undeniable rage sparking from deep in her core that the former apprentice did not even realize existed. Emilia would never do something like this, right? Samael stood as solid proof how morally corrupt and dangerous his version of the Weaver and Azriel were, heard the stories from Sam himself how even she fit into their little psychotic family. "No." Marina ground out more firmly, "If you think I will return to that bitch's house and endure the game of waiting until that bloodthirsty dickhole plays puppet master, you're crazy. I want Bellora out of the picture, for fuck's sake, I want her dead as much as anyone, but I'd rather spend an eternity serving her cunt ass than watch Azriel get railed by Samael Senior. God." The girl pressed her hands to her face briefly, swallowing down a frustrated scream before dropping her hands. "Tell me how I can help. You know I'll be able to handle it. Please, Gianna."

[gianna-foxwood]

Gianna wished she could rewind time and just keep the happiness on the girl's face as she wondered what it would be like to be a part of their family, but that wasn't the way their world worked. She allowed Marina to absorb the information, a sad frown on her face. "If we move to early, we risk the other Azriel hurting my brother. I don't like this either, the waiting, but we need to make sure we have a foolproof plan in place before we strike. The last thing we need is this other Azriel adapting to what we throw at him." The First Mother walked closer to Marina, placing her hands on her shoulders. "I know you can help– you're so much stronger than anyone gives you credit for, and you are so much more important to this situation than I wish to place on your shoulders. When the time is right, after this other Azriel kills Bellora, you take his abilities away." Her hands slid from the witch's shoulders to grasp her hands in hers. "He will not go quietly, and he will throw everything at you in order to stay. Remain strong and remember that this isn't my brother– anything he would promise you is a lie."

[soullessxpandora]

I see.

It's Envy all over again, my dear. Alarming, but not unsolvable. If this works the same as your Prince's possession, then that means there is a link between our realm and this other Azriel's through which your brother is essentially the door. It sounds obvious stating, but shoving him back in and sealing it forever is the best solution and would take more magic than a singular First possesses. As for Mil...I will personally see to it that Finnian deals with her. I know how you and your brothers are and frankly, being out for blood takes away focus from saving Azriel. That goes for both you and Kai, Gianna, please wait on any revenge mission until after this counterpart menace is gone.

[gianna-foxwood]

The person who sealed the door in Envy's mind was Azriel. We can't close my brother's mind, because the other one will just open it, unless we find a more permanent way to deal with it. Excuse me? Leaving Emilia's fate in your grandson's hands is the last thing I want to do right now. My focus is, and always will be, the well-being of my brothers. What will the punishment be for her crime? She hasn't technically killed my brother yet, and her abilities are powerful to anyone she aligns herself with. What more will she receive than a slap on her hand if she goes back to the coven? Forgive me if I don't exactly believe that the Heir will provide justice that is suitable of the crime.

[timely-cronus]

It's the risk of any danger threatening his mind as one would with a cracked open egg. I know Kai and I began on the entirely wrong foot, but I'm admitting fault for misjudging him, all grudges aside. If you trust Marina's hyperfocus does not stray because of her personal connections with Azriel, she will be a major factor. And of course, enlisting Ainsley's assistance does not hurt the long run. Thank you...nor have I made it easy on your family. The fiasco of the resurrection and now Bellora's claim kickstarting a war sent the gods scrambling. Death stepped in under great importance and it's time I followed his lead. Not just for Jade, but my adopted daughter's role in the fallout with Henrik.

[gianna-foxwood]

It will take a lot for Kai to ever warm up to you, if I'm being honest, but I believe bridges can be mended if both sides are amenable. Marina cares for my brother, much like someone would care for a father figure– she'll do what needs to be done if it comes down to it. I never did get to thank him for essentially saving my son from doing something he couldn't come back from by stopping Emilia. Seems like you'll end up doing the same for my brother. Your adopted daughter, Violet– she prophesied that Bellora would take Marina, I remember. That's... not a good sign if it's projected that she will have a fallout with Henrik. Is this something we can avoid? I can take her in just as I had with Robin and Valentin.

[soullessxpandora]

It's your house, the burden of your title, to absorb the responsibility is only natural. Ah...so, this is not only about the girl's exposure to the goddess of war, but the close proximity to your brothers. What has you worried, dear? That Marina will fall into the very same unhealthy patterns you rescued her and the others from? Gianna. I'm sure Kai and Azriel learned their lesson.

[gianna-foxwood]

Kai and Azriel did learn from the stunt they pulled with Ulric, and I know that they would keep Marina safe, but another variable has been introduced into the mix. A bargain was made for Azriel's body to be taken over by the psyche of a different Az in order to kill Bellora. He'll be on a warpath if Kai and I don't put a stop to it after he does what he's been bargained to do.

[jealouslyxestella]

I'm not disappointed by that fact, Mom, we lived and breathed bad news on the daily. Suppose Rinn doesn't need to be our sacrificial lamb which is darkly ironic. They were inseparable if that tells you anything.

It's what happens when you're held hostage by a psycho version of your uncle-turned-father. He's just being moody about having no abilities and thinks his only talent is listening.

[gianna-foxwood]

I suppose bad news every other day is like a vacation. That is very darkly ironic, but wholly accurate. It tells me everything I need to know... I'll let Nyrinn know I'm handling the conversation. I need you to promise me something, okay? You and Nyrinn do not let him out of your sight. He might do something, he might not, but I don't want any of you getting into danger.

That's enough to scar him, no matter how little time it was. Right... with all of this vampire and goddess business, we had to put his cure on the back burner. I suppose it's time I consult with Pandora again, but the moodiness will pass. Having no abilities in a time like this, when he could feel he is of use, is probably wearing on him.

[divinely-helena]

You are doing good, Gianna, I see what a difference you have made for every occupant in your home. This guilt is normal, healthy even to prove that you aren't unaffected by your actions, but you feel it greater as an empath. Some of these kids wouldn't be here had it not been what you did and I see how it can portray this constant reminder. If you blame yourself for any decision everyone makes good or bad, where do you draw the line?

[gianna-foxwood]

Sometimes it's hard to separate what I'm supposed to feel and what I'm siphoning from everyone around me. I know I should be an expert by now, but it doesn't get any easier. You're right... I can't keep wallowing in past mistakes. A part of me is... glad that I get to meet all these different people and see glimpses of other timelines, and at least help the ones who didn't have a fortunate timeline. There's just always a small part of me that is selfish and wishes for normalcy. For maybe just a day.

[kaixfoxwood]

I say you do the opposite of what I want, but that worrying's done a little good.

She's on a downward spiral, Gi, ever since the fucking coven disbanded and popped the lock on her little jail sentence. I'm not implying I was a perfect peach after my leash was ripped apart, but this is our brother she put on the line. So, if you want to disregard years' worth of an old friendship, I'll take her out myself. Is that what you want, honey? Do it for Azriel and prevent another chaos of destruction at her hands?

[gianna-foxwood]

Like you said, this is our brother on the line. I don't condone the deaths of people so easily, but she knows Azriel. Maybe even better than both of us combined, and he trusted her. He let her in, and she betrayed him. Threw him to someone I would never wish my darkest enemies to. Even if nothing happens to Az physically, that act alone hurt him, and he already trusts so little. This is what I want. If something happens to Azriel, no matter how small, she's done. Then she can't hurt him or anyone else.

[timely-cronus]

I know, I know, and I have hesitated long enough that the time to act is now for Jade's survival. She is succumbing to his beckoning, but also very inclined to allow the manipulation sway her extremist decision-making for the future. Alright, I will help him, but understand that this will cause irreparable damage if not done right. This other version will unravel his mind, destroy every defense Az has built, to stay in control. I need full cooperation no matter what happens, First Mother, not just from you, but Kai as well. Once I speak with him concerning Az, I'll track down the coven heir regarding Emilia and the best course forward. You will have him back, I promise.

[gianna-foxwood]

I understand; I already expected that if we made even one tiny misstep, my Azriel, as I know it, would be no more. You have my full cooperation, and I know Kai will feel the same and bury any hatchets momentarily if it means Az is brought back to us safely. I've already spoken to Marina; her abilities will be crucial in ensuring that the other Azriel doesn't make a misstep. I've... also spoken to Ainsley and let her know the situation as a backup if Azriel cannot be brought back to us. Thank you for helping. I know that my family, in particular, has not made things easy for the gods.

[marinaxhartley]

I'm certain if I asked him and said pretty please with a cherry on top, he would do me a solid and save my poor lungs from smoke inhalation. That's a secret between him and me, don't tell Azriel. Marina Foxwood does have a really nice ring to it. Seriously, Gianna, we both know they bend more than a little helping here.

We know the gist, at least, my powers plus her goddess energy equals realm-shattering apocalypse. What plan is extreme enough that you wouldn't take the opportunity burying her so far under the earth's surface, that dirt spews from her ass? I don't care what it takes, I'm itching to get the fuck out. Look, the only reason I accepted the role I had in our coven is the sole fact I wouldn't suffer a fate similar to that. You created your family on your own terms, saved us from what you thought as a bad situation, it's what matters. Wait, do you think I wouldn't wish to come back because of your brothers? I admit, despite how we're lumped together under a goddess' roof...it feels oddly right, in a way. I've seen what passes as protection with Ric and there isn't a doubt you both will. I'll see him soon if I make it out.

[gianna-foxwood]

"That he would." It was no small secret that both of her brothers were fond of the witch, as she was. "Foxwood does have a good ring to it, but regardless of if you change your name, you will always be one to us."

Gianna bit the inside of her cheek, swallowing thickly. She knew that the girl wouldn't be so gung-ho about the plan if she knew what was truly at stake, knowing how much the family dynamic that Marina had come to covet would change exponentially. "It's Azriel, Marina. He's the plan." The witch had already told so many people, but it didn't get easier. The man whom she'd watch grow from a silent observer to a guardian over her and everyone he cares for, the sentinel in her dreams and waking life. The one person that anyone could count on if they simply talked to him. "Emilia sold him to the Azriel in the alternate timeline where Samael came from. They made a deal that he would use Azriel's body to kill Bellora. This is why I need to find a surefire way to ensure that he leaves and our Azriel lives."

[unrulyxaemon]

Are you saying the Weaver crafted a deal with Bellora? If that is the case or if it's someone else entirely, then she's an enemy of the coven and should be treated as such. We can't afford reckless right now.

[gianna-foxwood]

No... not Bellora. She created a deal with an alternate version of Azriel. She claimed that his sole purpose is to kill Bellora, but she and I both know that he won't just leave after killing the goddess. I've already warned as many people as I can and am working on a plan in order to combat her recklessness, and Cronus is reaching out to Finnian. I want you to be prepared in case this version of Azriel brings back traumatic memories for you.

[ainsleyxbrooks]

Yeah, she's fucking whipped and can't see past her own evil dick appointments. Az should still know what Mil has dragged him into even if he won't have enough time to prepare for the worst. You mean when the psycho version of him refuses to leave, but the point is clear, I guess I'll help despite your brothers throwing a wrench in my plans left and right. I might have enough power as a joint effort, but we know one person who could level out this Azriel's abilities long enough for us to take the kill shot. You worry about the kid, I'm not blind to that. Marina's fond of him and clearly is spending way too much time around your family to dive into protective mode impulsively. If we want to save lives, Gianna, we take that fight to him where he cannot hurt anyone.

[gianna-foxwood]

I wouldn't doubt that Kai tracked Azriel down the moment I told him everything that's going on. I know... Marina may be our ace in the hole when it comes to controlling this psycho Azriel. Turning his abilities down to nothing would be crucial in the physical world, but I'm not sure if it will help in the astral plane, and that is and always will be where Azriel is the strongest. The fact of the matter is, the only person who knows the full scope of his abilities and what Azriel can do is the one who threw him to the wolves in the first place, and I may have torched a bridge with Emilia by declaring her my enemy.