This is just a thread to let the Seven know that they've lost two members to Hydra. I'm leaving a lot vague as the Hydra thread itself isn't -quite- done yet. It is backdated to just after the Trial, so it takes place right around the end of June. It's not likely to be a long thread or anything, just a heads-up IC. Anyone can join.

Pride stood silent, still numb with the news.

He took a breath. It wasn't going to be pleasant, but he'd have to tell the rest. Why did they go without telling me-? I could have gone with them. I could have... done something. Convinced them not to-...
He shook himself and looked skyward. For once he thought little about pushing his magic into the form of Light; this was too solemn an occasion for him to worry about it. He had put on his diamond armor. He stood before the Throne, sombre: as if a soldier about to speak of other, lost fighters. They deserved the formality, at least. Mischief sat silent by his side.

Perhaps it won't be that hard. I think of all of them, I was closest to Nassir. I think-... no one even knew Fireheart, yet. -Damn.
He called out, for good measure, for those who might not see the light. "Seven-... Seven, I have some sad news. Please, come to me."

And then, he waited.

When enough had gathered, he would speak:

"I'm here to deliver to you the sad news that we have lost two of our members. Nassir--the black leopard that many of you knew--and Fireheart, a new member, a white wolf using-... well, fire--both went to Hydra. They went because other Gembound were being forced in against their wills. They went, as Seven, to protect the innocent."

He took a hitching breath. Grief sparked in him as he remembered Nassir's gentle gaze, the black leopard slipping up to him in the mist of a dark swamp, offering comfort and advice.

"They will not be coming back. Hydra claimed them; but they saved the lives of others. They were true guardians--true protectors--and they will be missed. I'm sorry."

And here, he bowed his head.

"If anyone can think of a way to... memoralize them-... I think it would be a good idea to do so."

@James @Reign @Luster@Temperantia @Syphyl @Mercurius (idk, dude, just if you want)

James had come as soon as he'd seen the light, tripping over himself to get to the Throne and to Pride. He stood near to the front, craning his head to see and listen to Pride as he explained what had happened. His eyes widened and dawning horror grew in his chest.

He dropped his head and thought long and hard, trying to think of a way to memoralize them... before realizing that maybe he ought to keep his trap shut. He didn't know them, afterall. Someone who did might bring up a better idea. If no one did, then maybe he could step forward, but until then... he'd remain silent.

Temperantia heard Pride's call, and they had come. The creature floated gently, eying the diamond armor Pride wore. They briefly wondered where it had come from, before focusing their eyes on Pride. As Pride spoke, they quieted, folding wings. Bobbing like stick within a stream. Their eyes narrowed. The Seven had lost two to Hydra, though they did not know what that was. They thought of those that the Seven had lost.

Temperantia had not had the opportunity to know Fireheart or Nassir well. Temperantia had not been with the seven for long enough. And yet they still felt the pain. They say as much. "We did not know Nassir or fireheart too long. But we find any good soul lost is tragic." They rotated in the air counterclockwise, as a lax waterwheel would. Eyes closed. Thinking.

"We do not know what Hydra is, but it must be sealed. If Hydra is being used to force gembound within, it is not safe. It is cruel, evil to do so. A risk to all gembound. Perhaphs we can memorialize them that way. Preventing any more deaths."

"When I speak."

When I think.

(The tags are missing a space i didnt get a ping :pensive: ))

@Pride editing in a ping bc idk if anyone else will post!

A flash of light, and the cheetah jolted awake. Startled thunder cracked through the cave, and he peered around, squinted against his alarm, tried to shake himself free of his nightmare even as he clambered to his paws.

Pride. What did Pride want?

As fast as he could, with all the speed granted to his species, he bolted for where Pride waited, heart sinking into his chest when he saw him waiting, standing tall and bedecked in his armor - a war, he feared, surely there'd be another war. He stood still, horror creeping cold as ice through his bones, and for just a moment there was relief that there was no war, only death, and then guilt, crushing guilt, and grief.

He hadn't known either of them well - Fireheart not at all, and Nassir had joined while he Slept, but they were Seven and thus they were family. So he bowed his head low, ears flat and eyes shut tight.

There isn't a lot that Luster understands.

But she understands death well enough.

And she had known Nassir, somewhat. Not Fireheart, but she's still sad. Looks around and wishes for Mama, wants a hug, flattens her ears and closes her eyes. Reaches up to rub at them when they well, but still can't help but to sniffle, and for once was useful.

"We-we-we," she stammered, "should... should warn. Of Hydra? That it is... is being used to force them in." Luster rubbed her eyes again.

"Sometimes you need a second chance,"
'because you weren't quite ready for the first.'