Secondary

Lloyd nodded. "Right. Got it. We'll be here!" He called after Sandra, watching her bright hair disappear into the crowd. Things escalated rather quickly after that. Lloyd darted out into the crowd, pulling back people who ended up pretty badly beat, and Robert knew a little bit about first aid and a pain-relieving spell. There were one or two mages who knew some good spell, and a few people who knew proper first aid without having to refer to a manual, but the fights were rather vicious and the tent was filling.
"Where's her friend? We need more hands!" Robert called, fixing an improvised tourniquet around a dwarf's forearm.
Lloyd stretched himself taller, looking over the crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of curly red hair. "I can't see her!" He shouted back.

Robert shouted out in frustration. He angrily tore the two rings off his finger and shoved them in Lloyd's direction. "Give these to people who need them! Try and break some fights up!"
Lloyd stared at the ring for a moment. "Will you be okay without them?" He asked, slipping them next to his own rings.
"Yes! I'll be here!" Robert said, lightly pushing Lloyd out of the tent.

Lloyd span on his heel, the rings tight on his fingers. He lifted his hand up to his mouth, whispered a simple incantation, and like that a sort of misty-shield took over his body. It would heal him a tiny bit if he got hit, but not for very long and not that well. Having been bought from a shady figure on the street for a bit of a reduced price, that wasn't really a surprise. After the charm was said, the ring dissolved from his finger. He rushed into the fray, dragging two of the worst looking people out of the fight and forcing the rings onto their fingers, then shoving them towards the first-aid tent. He got hit a few times, but the charm stopped them from being too bad. He managed to break up one or two minor fights, but he didn't have the authority to stop any big ones.

There was one more ring left, and Lloyd wanted to make sure it went to the best person possible. His spell had already worn off on him, and for a moment there was temptation to use it for himself. Before he could fully think on this, he heard a scream. It was an instant decision; someone who screamed like that definitely needed the ring. He zipped off in the direction he heard it from, his long legs coming in handy. He saw the lady, curled on the ground, being defended by a dwarf; not only the same one he saw starting the fight, but also the one who had been speaking at the original meeting the previous week. He grit his teeth, wondering for a moment wether the ring would be better on the caster or the dwarf. He didn't have time to wonder, though, so he lunged forward, grabbing the lady's hand. He shoved the ring onto her finger, said the incantation, and then struggled to lift her up, not confident in her ability to walk. He looked to the dwarf, jaw tight. "Don't give them a reason to kick us out!" He shouted.
 
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The chanting only worked for a short time. Violence, though, was like a disease and one that spread rapidly. At one point she stood in shock staring at all the fists flying, the faces of anger, fear, and determination. This is not what was supposed to happen this afternoon. A firm push into her back broke her from her stupor and she stumbled, turning to see who had attacked. And elf had been pushed backward into. He was defensive, hands up, backing away not wanting to engage.

Struggling through the crowd Olivia searched for Dominic, Matt, or Sandra but she couldn't find any of them. Nearby a walkie erupted into noise, she could only make out parts of it. "...resolve all fights as peacefully as possible." Peacefully? She couldn't tell which officer had given the instruction but she could tell, very few were listening. She clambered back to the dais for the microphone that Rachel had already abandoned. She stuck her thumb and forefinger into her mouth and let out a shrill whistle, coming out very loud through the mic's speakers. "Fighting is not necessary. All disagreement should be resolved peacefully. Do not engage with the officers." The news was filming. Good. "We gathered here this morning to protest peacefully, to march as a united group demanding that we be given the same rights as any other U.S. citizen." Several of the fights nearest to her stopped. "The police arrived armed and ready for a fight, do not give it to them. Do not give them an excuse to punish us for who we are--for the way we were born." A couple people cheered. Olivia sighed. She spotted Dominic with two casters, a woman and the one her roommate had spoken to earlier. "If we fight back right now, we are no better than those who wish to sweep us aside into Sec Communities so they can go about their lives and pretend we don't exist as much as possible." She tried to wave Dominic down, to move away from the fighting and to come and speak to those who gathered for him.
 
Harrison sighed as he watched the fights break out. Ducking under a swing from an enraged elf, he quickly proceeded to bring them to the floor, placing a knee upon their back and handcuffing them. Dashing back with his prisoner, he quickly retreated behind the lines of the the steadily forming police barricade, who had just now broken out the riot gear as a wall of shields rested at the end of the street, other stationed officers pouring in from where they had gene held in reserve as the officers placed upon the rooftops prepped gas grenades.

As he made his way through the street towards a mounted speakerphone upon a jeep he heard the voice of a woman over the roar of the crowd, urging the Secondaries to calm down and to try not to jeopardise all that they had worked for. He would approve, if the later comment about them arriving 'Armed and ready for a fight' hadn't been said. They hadn't arrived wanting a fight, they simply didn't put it past people like Dominic to take the chance to overrun city hall.

Climbing up on top of the jeep, he spoke into the speakerphone, eliciting an ear splitting screak from the machine to which he responded to by hitting it before raising it to his lips. "Attention all officers, stand down. Greg I see you, let go of those dwarfs or I swear you'll be tried. That goes for any one of you guys. We came here to make sure they didn't harm anyone, because that's our job. Our job isn't to start fights like the people we arrest. Stand back and get behind the line." He says, his voice booming out of various speakers that had been set up to be even louder at max volume than the microphone the woman was holding. At his words most of the officers dropped what they were doing and began to retreat back towards where the officers decked out in riot gear held the line. Those who didn't were either grabbed by other officers or fled once the Secondaries began to swarm them.

"Attention all Secondaries. Since I have yet to receive orders from my superiors your March is still ongoing. Form an orderly mass and stop trying to pick fights or you will be the reason that all the people around you are gassed and arrested. I think we all know what heppens to Secs who manage to get caught for any reason." He says with a grimace, turning to the crowd. "There will NOT be a second chance. Don't screw this up. You cannot afford to have this go wrong." He finishes, stepping down to go get a drink of water. His throat felt tight.
 
As the caster helped the woman up from the ground, something fell from her hand, glinting bright in the morning sun. The world seemed to slow as Dominic realized what it was. A kitchen knife. In the busy confusion of the day, the woman must have managed to smuggle it in past their check-in. And now that Dominic looked closer, the cop that had been standing over her was clutching his bicep, where a dark stain was spreading across his blue uniform. It was instinctual. Dominic was in a fight, he needed a weapon. He grabbed the knife and tossed the signpost to the side. The cop was still reeling from the blow.

Dominic could kill him.

Olivia was shouting over the crowd, and so was the policeman who had interrupted Dominic's original fight, but it was all white noise in the light of what he had realized. The knife seemed to gain weight in his hand, harder to maneuver. Dominic had been in fights before, sure, he hadn't grown up in a great area, but he had never seriously considered killing his enemy. Now, not only was he considering it, he knew if he chose to, he could. He had the power, he had the anger. It was his decision. The group around him were all looking his way, police and Secondaries alike, waiting to see what he would do.

Dominic's hand opened. The knife fell to the ground. His hand was still sticky with blood from the grip. "Listen to Olivia," he said, voice more hoarse than he had been expecting. "Fall back." The policeman looked up in surprise, but Dominic didn't meet his eyes. "We won't win anything today."

As the Secondaries gradually stepped back, melting into the crowd, the last of Dominic's adrenaline melted away with them. He took a few deep breaths, trying to steady himself, but before he totally got his bearings he found his arms jerked behind him, wrists locked in handcuffs. "What the hell?" he snapped, suddenly finding the energy to fight back again. "Get off me- hey! Get off me! I'm standing down!"

"You've assaulted an officer and instigated a riot, I think this is justified," the police officer huffed. He still sounded winded from the blow Dominic had landed, bringing Dominic a cruel sense of satisfaction. "Bu no, you're not technically resisting arrest, as long as you're cooperative from here on out."

Sputtering protests, Dominic was dragged through the crowd of police officers and herded with a small group of cuffed Secs. Heads turned as they passed through, some people giving him dirty looks, others admiring or appreciative. The cop who had made the announcement was crumpling a plastic water bottle when they passed by. They made brief eye contact, though Dominic didn't have the time to read what was in the cop's face before he was pulled away again. Despite the hard lump in his stomach, Dominic kept his chin defiantly up. He wouldn't let himself be guilted or intimidated. The situation was bad enough already, he wouldn't face it like a coward.
 
Lloyd listened to Olivia and one of the officer's words through the speakers, watching as the fights around him started to calm down at taper off. Things were going to be okay, and if everyone could just give up their anger and get back to getting ready for the march, maybe they could salvage whatever was left of the protest.

Lloyd watched the knife spiral from the woman's hand. A knife? How the hell had she gotten it in? So much for peaceful protest. He looked to the woman, feeling betrayed even though she hadn't really done anything to him. For a moment, he considered just dropping her and going off to help others, but just because she was a bad example didn't mean that she wasn't worthy of receiving medical attention. She was going to get a serious lecturing, though.

He was about to turn and rush back to the first aid tent when he saw the dwarf pick the knife up from the floor. His eyes widened. This was the guy who was meant to be leading the Secs into a decent life, and he looked like he was really gonna kill an officer. He froze, not sure of wether he should stop the dwarf and risk being stabbed, back off and not be able to help if the officer did get attacked, or stay and risk getting part of the blame if things went sour. He had to go for the most self-preserving option, even if it left a boulder of guilt in the pit of his stomach. He turned and started to push through the crowd, back to the tent.

He pushed the caster into the tent, fixing her with a glare. "What the hell were you thinking?!" He snapped. "A knife!? Don't even say anything. Just go and have someone check your ribs aren't broken," he hissed, then hurrying off towards where Robert was helping an elf. "Things are starting to calm down. What can I help with?"
Robert looked around, jaw tight. "I don't think there's anyone else who's needing help." He stayed quiet a moment. "Sandra hasn't come back, by the way," he mentioned, helping the elf stand with their (suspected) twisted ankle.
Lloyd scratched behind his ear, taking the elf's arm. "I hope she's not been arrested, or something," he muttered.
 
Things were a mess. the Secs were stopping and looking around. The police seemed to be listening to whoever had spoken over the loudspeakers. Somewhere in the middle of the crowd, Olivia could see Dominic being dragged off in handcuffs. This wasn't how things were supposed to be this afternoon. A sad smile was directed at the officer who had helped to calm things down. Perhaps they had an ally on the force. He was pure human, as far as she could tell--like they would ever let a Sec on the Force, anyway.

The elf took a breath. Things were calming just as quickly as they had started and the news trucks were still there, filming everything. Dominic was gone, but they had permission to stay and finish what they had started. She wished she had known what Dominic had planned on saying during his speech... she had to get this march back on track. She cleared her throat into the microphone, sounding surprisingly calm. "Violence," she gazed across the crowd. "Is not the answer. Look around at your friends, your family. We do not have to be violent to get our voices heard."

The crowd was rather subdued. "We gathered here today, because we are angry and hurt." There was some halfhearted agreement in the crowd. "Today, this march, this is about our right to stay in our homes. To ensure that we are not taking away from the supposed safety of the community. Today we march for justice, fairness, and equality. We do not deserve to be shoved away into communities that are designed to contain. Today we march the streets of Boston because we are it's citizens and our voices will not be ignored or quieted." She pointed down the street, the direction they were to head. "We will not move!" She echoed one of the many banners and quite a few took up the chant, as they began to march.

Olivia abandoned the microphone to join into the walk. This is what was supposed to happen today. Anti-Sec groups gathered the streets, jeering at the group as they marched. The moment anyone near her turned to acknowledge the hateful looks, Olivia had a calm word. She could not control anyone, but she could lead by example and in turn those around her could set the same example. She ignored her anger at Dominic, and instead chose to make her way to different parts of the march, introducing herself to new faces. She saw the two casters that Sandra had been speaking with. They had been helping out at the first aid tent and she stopped to offer them a quick thank you for their work. It was appreciated. She didn't stay long. Around lunch time Sandra had sent her a text, one word: Sorry. Olivia knew she had abandoned the march the second things had turned ugly.

The march itself lasted several hours and did not completely disperse until the evening when the numbers had already dwindled. Olivia stayed behind to clean up at their starting point and to help take down the first aid tent. She was still angry, but she hoped that Dominic was okay.

--------

The mayor stayed in her office late that evening. Most of her work had not been done during the morning hours and she'd refused to leave while the Sec's were still marching. She painted herself to be trapped here, afraid of what would happen if she left. There were so many of them and only one of her. The march had rattled her. Her plan to relocate the Secondaries had been well thought out and had been discussed in-depth for weeks. It had been presented as the ideal situation for the Sec's as well as the normal citizens of Boston. She had expected anger and confusion, but what she hadn't expected was the retaliation from the Secs.

She wanted cooperation. Regardless of the fact that they had supposedly gathered peacefully, this was war. She would be having a discussion with the Police Commissioner when relocation began. The chants of "We Will Not Move" rang through her head long after it had stopped. This relocation was going to happen.
 
Harrison sighed as he marched his way down the corridor of the detention block. He knew the reason he had been chosen for this was because he was one of the two 'Sec lovers' and since Francis was recently stabbed by some wackjob it was up to him, but it didn't mean he had to like it.

After punching in the password to the lock barring his way towards where the higher profile prisoners were kept, he continued to make his way through the building until he came across the cell that Dominic was being held in. The Dwarf was seated on a small bench at the back of the room, looking right at Harrison.

"Turn around and place your hands against the wall above your head." He commands, waiting for the Dwarf to silently comply before opening the door to the cell, gently turning the Dwarf around and putting his hands together to cuff them. "The cuffs won't last long, just while you're in transit. And before you open your mouth, we do this for everyone." He states, leading Dominic out of the cell and through the building, coming to a stop at a large green door. Opening the door the duo are greeted with the sight of a plain brick room with little more than a flat steel table, two chairs on one side and a stool on the other. A camera dominates each corner of the room.

Placing Dominic in the stool he uncuffs the Dwarf, who quietly rubs his wrists where the cuffs had been, before placing a medium sized file on the table, along with two bottles. "Not sure if you know this as it's kinda obscure, but apparently lime cordial is actually kind of healthy for dwarfs." He says, gesturing at the bottle as he sits down in one of the chairs. "You're here on charges of Assault against an officer of the law, as well as inciting violence. You did not resist arrest and were cordial throughout transit and processing. However it is still technically a jailable offence. Fortunately for you though, no one was killed, so you have the chance to potentially get off scot free. Have you anything to say?"
 
Dominic had to fight the urge to pace around the holding cell. It had been at least a couple hours, though he had no way of knowing for certain in the twilight zone of the local police station, and no one had done anything more than stick him in the detention block and lock the door. He had quickly been isolated from the other Secondaries arrested and the solitude would begin to drive him mad if it lasted much longer. How had the rest of the rally gone? Had Olivia been able to salvage it? When they had herded him away, it had looked like she was getting things under control again, but there was no way to know for sure. He hoped so, at least.

Finally, finally there was movement down the corridor. It was the cop from the rally, the one who had been trying to calm the situation down. Dominic did his best to look cool and unruffled as the officer unlocked his cell. He would be cooperative, but that didn't mean he had to roll over belly up like a submissive little bitch. He would get out of this with as much of his pride intact as possible. True, he had screwed up, but he hadn't been in the wrong. His cause was justified, and he would hang onto that until the day he died defending it.

He complied silently with the officer's commands, though he loathed every second, even allowing himself to be handcuffed and led through the detention center like a common criminal. He didn't have much of a choice at this juncture, and he recognized that. When the cuffs were finally released, Dominic felt he could breathe easier. He was still a prisoner, there was no way around that, but the freedom to move as he pleased put him less on edge. The cop offered him a drink, but he silently refused, not even sparing the bottle a glance despite his dry throat. This was not a friendly situation, and he would not pretend it was such. All his attention was focused on the file that lay on the table between them. The papers inside would seal his fate. Dominic had no problem sacrificing himself for the Sec cause, but not now. He wasn't ready yet. The movement still needed him, and he couldn't fight for them from inside the county jail.

When the officer started to speak, Dominic looked up, paying careful attention. Though the cop had every chance to treat Dominic like the animal most humans believed Secs to be, his words were cordial, if authoritative. He commanded respect, though that was only expected, given the situation, and his words held none of the condescension Dominic was accustomed to receiving. It was strange. In a good way.

Nobody was killed. Dominic felt himself visibly relax at the words, even before the cop told him he had the chance to walk away from the whole mess. He hadn't screwed up that badly. Suddenly he was more glad than ever he had dropped that damn knife. People were going to die for this cause eventually, he knew, and a large dark part of him suspected he would be among the fallen. It was unavoidable. But needless death, that Dominic could not condone. If people had to die, he wanted their deaths to make a difference, to pave the way for a better future. He didn't want lives laid down for his own stupid anger.

"I didn't start it," he couldn't help but mutter. So what if it sounded childish? If this cop was willing to speak to a Sec like a human, maybe he was willing to actually listen, too. "I mean, yeah, I threw the first punch, but I didn't start it. Wasn't my guys who showed up with guns already drawn, shoving protesters around with no fear of consequence. That cop was goading me and he knew it. He wanted this." He scoffed, tipping his chin up pointedly. "You don't want a riot, you don't show up waving around your weapons. We meant to be peaceful, we were unarmed. It was your men who came for a fight. Don't act so surprised they got it."

The words were a challenge. Both men could feel it as they hung in the air between them. But rather than leave it there, something in Dominic seemed to crumple. "I'm glad everyone's okay," he said with an uncharacteristic softness.
 
Lloyd and Robert ended up joining the march a little bit later, though Lloyd didn't do much. Robert rushed around, doing the best he could, but Lloyd could only help in very basic, pretty untrained ways: he found a signpost for an elf to use as a makeshift cane; he found a half-dwarf's lost purse; he donated his water to a very badly dehydrated caster. The two casters only left the tent when everyone was the best that they could be, with the equipment provided. Sharing the remaining water bottle, they rushed to catch up with the marching crowd, and managed to integrate themselves into it seamlessly. They stuck to the middle of the crowd, even though it was unbearably hot. They didn't want to be close to the Anti-Secs. This did lead to a massive headache and a lot of drinking water from the other Secs.

Robert had been pretty surprised to get a thanks from Olivia, who was a somewhat important figure in his eyes. After all, he'd spent most of the time helping out in the tent, hidden from most eyes. Lloyd, however, was less surprised - he'd been running around like a madman, trying to help out wherever he could. They thanked her for the thanks (should they have just said you're welcome?) and continued on with the march. The two had to leave early, since Lloyd's shift started at six. Technically, Robert could have stayed, but with all the Anti-Secs around, neither of them wanted to walk home alone.




Lloyd slept pretty late. He usually did, and after a night of lugging huge baskets of clothes around (with an incredibly strict no-magic rule) you probably would too. He had a banging headache - the dehydration was still lingering - a sore back from his work, sore legs from walking and two notes pinned onto the door.

'We're running low on pretty much everything. Money's on the counter - L, A & R'

The other note was a shopping list: milk, cereal, the everyday stuff. Lloyd huffed a little. He had work again that night, so he was hoping to get some time off that day to ease his back pain. But if the others came home and there wasn't enough food in the house, there might be a row. He sighed. He quickly got changed, drank a cup of water, took a paracetamol tablet and stuffed the money in his pocket. He tore the list off the door, grabbed some plastic bags and headed out, walking down the road with his head down. Even though most of the people in the neighbourhood were Secs, he didn't want to risk being spotted by some sort of Anti-Sec group on the hunt.
 
"Peaceful protest turns into rio-..." There was a click and a buzz as static momentarily filled the air before the TV turned completely off, then a huff. Lilyanne didn't have any interest in hearing anymore about that protest, obviously it didn't turn out well. Who actually expected that it would?

"Lily! Be a dear and go get some groceries!" The demand didn't come across as nice as it should have. Even though covenant homes were mostly populated by young secs, the volunteer and workers weren't any nicer.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." If Lily could have, she would have smited stupid Hannah Smith from the world, but she had zero actual magical ability and she wasn't actually sure if casters could smite people anyway. If they couldn't, then what exactly was the point of being a caster?

She pulled open the cracked wood that made up the front door, wincing at the loud squeak as it swung on the hinges, and walked out, not bothering to shut it behind her. As she padded down the street, Lily couldn't help but people watch. It was a hobby of hers, looking and judging all the people that were around her. Sorting the mundane from the Secondaries was easy, the mundane weren't scared to walk around. They always had their shoulders back and head up, as if they were all powerful, but how were they? They couldn't even control magic, they were scared of it.

Lily continued down the street, making sure to step on every crack in the old gray pavement in hope that one day the superstition would be right and it would break her mother's back. She turned down an old alleyway, quickening her steps slightly. Alleys were good to get you to your destination faster, but they were also good for getting secs jumped by Anti-Secs. She popped out at the other side of the alleyway pretty quickly and paused to look around. There was a mundane family across the road, along with a couple teenage boys who were most definitely mundane and most definitely assholes. She shuffled backwards into the alley awkwardly, noticing a taller man walking in her direction. His head was down and plastic bags were clenched in his fist, but she knew he was a Sec from a feeling she got. She didn't know how to explain it, but it was as if she could sense the magic rolling off of him, like it exuded from his pores. As he passed she followed after him, he happened to be going the same way she was and she also couldn't help but feel a little more relaxed being around someone like her.
 
Olivia hardly slept after the march. She had tried to find out which precinct they'd taken Dominic too, starting with the nearest one to where they'd been, but the person on the phone had been most unhelpful and when she had tried to actually show up to see if maybe they had him--not that she had bail money, exactly--they had made her leave. She was angry with him, but she was also worried, so she slept fitfully that night after dropping him a short e-mail to express her concern.

Sandra was not home that night and Olivia had a feeling her roommate was staying with her boyfriend, attempting to avoid the young elf. She preferred that, honestly, not wanting to deal with the false apology. The moment things had turned, Sandra was gone. Olivia no longer felt like she could rely on the caster whom Olivia had once considered a friend. Maybe it was too harsh to say that she no longer did, but that was how she was feeling at the moment.

She tried focusing on the positive. The march had continued, there were no deaths, and though the news riots tried to make it look like the Secs had started everything, the coverage actually wasn't too bad. Maybe they had a sympathetic reporter out there, somewhere.

By 3am, she realized she was not going to get much sleep so, she instead grabbed her phone--the one luxury item she owned, and had worked hard for, that took the place of the desired laptop--and created an online petition, sharing it to every Facebook group, Sec Resistance Group, Awareness Group, anything that she could think of. She doubted that it would do much, having all the Secs sign a petition saying that it was unfair to be moved from their home, but it was something and it would get the word out that they didn't have to be passive.

The rest of the morning she spent researching lawyers. Surely there had to be at least one in Massachusetts who was sympathetic to the cause. Wrongfully evicting a minority group from their home had to be unconstitutional. She was willing to fight this battle all the way to the Supreme Court, if she had to.

She found only two candidates who were promising, and sent them a quick e-mail. Not expecting a reply any time soon, the elf attempted sleep once more.

--------------

The morning after the Sec March, Nadia Patel spent her morning meeting discussing the probability and ramifications of an Unlawful Assembly Ordinance for the City of Boston, specifically for Secs. She'd like to get it passed throughout the state but that would take too much time. Right now, she needed to act in response to yesterday's events.
 
Harrison sighed as Dominic spoke. This was part of the reason why things were so bad for the Secs. The moment they see precautionary measures they end up screaming that they were the ones who were the victims, that it was all the government's fault for making sure things didn't end messily. "Come on. You're a smart man Dominic. You have to see the potential dangers of an out of control crowd of Secondaries, especially when they are so close to the thing that's been giving them all the bullshit they have to go through." He says, looking the Dwarf in the eye as he does so. If he wanted to guide his people out of the trouble they were in he had to be able to recognise how dangerous could be. A few out of control casters with a hatred for anything human and you're looking at fathers, mothers and children being burnt to death all for the crime of existing.

Moving on from the bleak topic, he gestures towards the file on the table. "This contains everything we have on you, as well as some speculation. Now as it stands, you're going to end up in country jail for what you did. Doesn't matter if you view us as the aggressors, you still technically threw the first punch and we both know what it's like for a Sec if they reach a courtroom with nothing up their sleeve." He pauses to take a sip from his drink. "Luckily for you, you have an out. We know that you have knowledge on a few of the more... extreme Secondary rights groups out there. You tell us all you know, where they are, who's a part of it and if it proves useful you get to walk out with nothing more than a slap on the wrist. What do you say?"
 
While Dominic was viewed by many as a radical Secondary rights activist, there was a reason he wasn't working with the groups Harrison mentioned. He knew of them, of course he did, but a basic knowledge of their affiliated members was as far as it went. The true radicals could only be described succinctly as magical terrorists. They had no true strategy, no long term goals, only a hatred of all mundanes and a desire to do damage, no matter how many innocents were hurt in the process. Dominic couldn't fault them for their anger, he felt it the same as they did, but he refused to stand in their lines. He fought for a world with less needless suffering, not more of it.

Even still, Dominic's jaw tightened at the very suggestion. They were Secs, same as him. Their fight was his own. When they fought, they fought for his rights, his life, his very existence. Dominic could never betray their confidence, not to save his own hide. He was a Secondary, and he would be damned to hell if he helped a human cop get evidence to book those of his own who dared stand up against injustice.

"You're asking me to betray my people," he said calmly, the tension in his posture betraying him. "You've read my file, officer, I'm sure. You know my story. Did you honestly think I would ever consider that bargain?"

----

From: Matthew Baker
To: Olivia Moore
Re: Following Up

Hey, Olivia,

It's Matt Baker, from the march last Monday. First of all, let me both congratulate and thank you. I know things didn't exactly go as planned, but you were one of the major turning factors that saved our protest from completely disintegrating into a riot. There were no serious injuries, everyone got back on the same page, and we still managed to get some positive news coverage despite the whole mess. If it hadn't been for your quick speech, I doubt the day would have ended as positively.

Unfortunately, we still need a plan moving forward. We've made our voices heard, but it hasn't been enough. If we relocate, any hope we have of making change through the current political system will be lost. Secondary only communities will effectively shut us out of local government for good. I'm new to this part of the state, I know, but given the current situation, I'd like to help in any way I can.

Speaking of which, have you managed to get in contact with Dominic at all? I heard he was arrested at the march, but I hadn't gotten any news past that. I don't always agree with him, but he has influence with the resistance here, influence we need now more than ever.

Again, let me know what I can do to help. Consider me entirely at your disposal. And let me know if you have any news.

Stay safe,
-Matt
 
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Lloyd could feel the aurora coming off another Spellcaster before he even saw them. It was powerful, but uncontrolled. Even still, the mere feel of it made his hair stand on end. He guessed that it was coming from the entrance of one of the alleyways, which seemed even worse. He did not want to get jumped by a caster that must have been stronger than him, so he sped up as he passed the mouth of the alley so that he couldn't be grabbed, or anything like that.

He thought he was in the clear when he passed by untouched, so he slowed down. However, the feeling didn't pass; if anything, it sort of felt it got stronger. He took a deep breath, and looked over his shoulder. From what he gathered from the brief look, it was a girl, younger and shorter than him, and with decent distance between them. She didn't look particularly intimidating, but that wild aurora that came off of her really put him off speaking to her, or anything even remotely close to it. He just had to hope that it was a coincidence, and that they weren't heading in the same direction.

But there he was, at the front of the supermarket, and the girl was still following behind. If he ended up getting trapped, and her magic was as powerful as it really felt like it was, would anyone care if a Sec was mugged in a non-Sec establishment? He reconsidered going inside for a moment. Would his roommates still be mad if he came home with no groceries, but explained the situation? They probably would be: "You're a tall guy, and you were scared of some teen?" They'd probably say.

He sighed. He knew one or two spells, if things really got rough. And besides, if she did attack, maybe he would stand a chance fighting her physically. He swallowed the remaining anxiety sitting in his throat and walked into the supermarket. The shop was pretty busy, which settled his mind a little. If he was going to get attacked, he was going to get attacked in front of multiple people, some of which were also Secs. He smiled slightly at the dwarf greeter, and then weaved into the aisles. He stuck to the list, skipping one or two things when he knew they weren't necessary, and always keeping out an eye for the other spellcaster.
 
Lily entered the supermarket behind the man, but broke off from him as soon as she stepped inside. She gave the dwarf greeter a little wave, picking up one of the grocery baskets near the entrance. Hannah hadn't actually told Lily what they needed, so she was slightly confused as she wandered about the store. She picked up some fruit and vegetables, those seemed like a necessity. Maybe meat?

As she made her way towards the meat section at the back of the store, she walked passed the man in one of the aisles. He seemed nervous, and that put Lily on edge. She was curious as to why he was so jittery, were there Anti-Secs around? Had he seen something that she hadn't? She tried not to think about it too much as she shifted through the coolers, picking out hot dogs and other cheap meat products. Hannah hadn't given her any money for groceries, so they wouldn't be getting anything that was over five dollars.

She was distracted from her shopping and couldn't stop the little hairs on the back of her neck from raising. There was no need to be nervous, she told herself. The man was probably just crazy.

Shrugging, she walked back through one of the aisles, nonchalantly throwing various flavours of chips into the basket. She froze when she saw the man in the same aisle, but rolled her eyes and continued down it. However, curiosity got the better of her and she paused behind the man.

"Is something wrong?"
 
From: Olivia Moore
To: Matt Baker
Re: Following Up

Matt,

Thank you for your kind words. I'm not sure any of that was what was intended when the march was first discussed, but I suppose things happen. I'm just glad there were no serious injuries and that things managed to smooth out. I think your presence, too, helped for those that recognized you. You're an inspiration to our kind, I think. I'm glad you were able to make it.

As of right now the only solid plan we have is resisting the move, but even that isn't going to do much. At some point many of them are going to have to give in, especially those with children. There are some who are going to be afraid of jail or bodily injury. It's going to be more of a statement than something that actually achieves a goal, I think. The days are fast approaching for the relocation, though, and I worry. There is not much we can do in that short time to make a real change. I wonder if we could be granted a meeting with the Mayor. It won't stop relocation across the board, but if we can stop a small part of it...

Do you happen to know any lawyers who are sympathetic to the cause and can practice in the state? I have a feeling that we might need one and I have a feeling that Dominic will, too. I have not heard from him, though I have tried reaching out. I tried going to the precinct near where the march was held but they would not tell me anything. I think I'm going to try again tomorrow morning, if you'd like to go with? If he disappears from the resistance I worry that we will lose momentum.

Thank you, again, for your offer. I have a feeling that your help will be needed. As I mentioned before, too, if you need any help with your election, please let me know.

Best,

Olivia

----------

The elf stared at her phone screen and sighed. She was still worried about Dominic and worried about the resistance and the first relocation was happening in a little over a week. She skimmed over the e-mail once more and hit send. Her search for a lawyer had not gone well so far and she hoped that Matt would be able to provide something. In the meantime, she had to figure out their next step. Another march would be too soon, but they needed to act.
 
Harrison looked at Dominic, staring at the Dwarf. He didn't know why but he felt... angry. A kind of anger he hadn't felt in a long, long time. "They aren't your people Dominic. They're criminals. Scumbags, murderers and rapists who will take any opportunity to step on others, especially those who they perceive have wronged them. Which, in case you haven't noticed, is the entirety of the human population. The only difference between them and a common thug is that these guys are able to spin the whole 'Poor me, I'm a secondary. I just want the same rights as others' angle into socially strongarming others to join them. People like that will take any opportunity to ruin the lives of others, as long as it makes them feel better." He says, fist clenching for a moment before he looks away. He knew he was probably talking to a brick wall here, but he had to explain. He ha ftl try and get him to understand.

"A family was found yesterday. A mother, father and two kids. These monsters broke in, completely disregarding stealth as they entered through a window and took a steel pipe to the head of the father while the mother was restrained. They then proceeded to rape her, in full view of her kids, before a caster eventually put her out of her misery as well. They would have gotten to the kids too, if the neighbours hadn't reported suspicious sounds and some nearby cops showed up."

"If you think that people like that are 'your people', that you're betraying them, this scum that have orphaned and traumatised these two young children, then we're done here. I know all I need to know. I'd rather have you locked up and the key thrown away than risk any chance of support increasing for... for whatever they are just because you were too blind in your self righteousness to see that the Secondaries aren't the victims this time." He finishes, picking up the fil and making his way towards the door.
 
Dominic wouldn't meet Harrison's eyes as the cop spoke, but he was listening, even if he didn't look it. There was no good out for him here. If he talked, he wouldn't only be betraying the radical groups, he would be betraying Secs nationwide. His testimony, or, more accurately, the fact that he had testified at all, would be used as a political weapon. If Dominic Kingston, the activist, the rebel leader, the freedom fighter, was willing to sell out to save his own skin, what hope did the greater resistance movement have? This was bigger than him. The terrorists weren't his people. The Secondaries were. If defending them meant he went to prison, so be it.

"I wouldn't expect you to understand," Dominic said bitterly as Harrison turned to leave. "It must be nice, having some imaginary moral high ground, knowing what you do is 'right.' Not everyone has that luxury. I'm walking a narrow line between resistance and rebellion, always trying to play the role I need to be at any given time. I know I make mistakes. What happened at the rally was a mistake. But this? You have to understand that I can't give out information on any Sec resistance movements, not when the eyes of Secondaries all over Boston are on me. No matter what form that resistance takes."

He felt sick to his stomach, hands shaking slightly as he clasped them in his lap out of sight. He would not let himself appear weak in front of some damn human cop who thought he could lecture on morality.

----

From: Matt Baker
To: Olivia Moore
Re: Following Up

Olivia,

Of course I'll be there. How does tomorrow at ten sound? I'll meet you at the courthouse. We can go ask about Dominic and talk some in person about where we want this to go moving forward.

I think I may know someone who can help us with Dominic's case. The trouble is, they have all the evidence they need to prove him guilty. The best we can hope for is to negotiate a good plea. I don't know if it's possible to get him off with only a fine, but we have to try. I agree with you, I fear the resistance will lose all its momentum should he be taken out of the picture. And as much as I am trying to dig my heels in against it, I fear our cause is being forced closer and closer to open revolution every day. We need people willing to stand up for themselves, to protest for their rights and make their voices heard. And past that, should worse come to worst, we need a people ready to defend themselves. If the people see that resistance gets us thrown in prison, I don't know how we will convince them to follow us.

See you tomorrow,
-Matt

----

Matt stared at the paper in disbelief the next morning as he waited for Olivia outside the precinct office. Unlawful Secondary Assembly Ordinance Passed In Greater Boston, the headline screamed. Secondaries were no longer allowed to gather in groups greater than five outside designated Secondary community areas.

"In light of recent events at a Secondary Rights protest turned riot...." he read aloud to himself before crumpling the paper in disgust. Every day, it was something new, every day the news got worse. Matt feared more than anything that soon the window for peaceful protest would be closed. More than anything, he feared that soon Dominic would be right.
 
While he was shopping, the thought of the other caster started to ebb away. Ten minutes in, and he'd pretty much forgotten her, more focused on wether he should buy a five-hundred gram box of non-branded cereal for three dollars, or a seven-hundred-and-fifty gram box of the same cereal for four dollars (he went for the bigger box, if you were wondering). He hadn't been in a maths class for fourteen years, and he hadn't exactly been practicing, so he had to focus on it and make sure they didn't go over his budget.

He was trying to figure out how many packets of chips he could buy with a dollar (only one) when he started to feel that sort of wild aurora again. So, she was still in the shop, but now she was close enough, probably close enough to attack him again. Just like before, he was back on edge; standing on the balls of his feet, going through all of the spells he could cast to defend himself, frantically stuffing the single bag of chips into the shopping cart and getting ready to rush away and put distance between them. However, he didn't realise how close the caster really was to him.

He spun around to look at who spoke, but then immediately wished that he would have just ignored the voice and rushed away. All he had really been able to distinguish from his glance across his shoulder when they were outside was the girl's hair, but seeing her up close was another matter. He could have easily taken her if she had any sort of intent to harm him physically, but that feeling coming off her still put him off putting his guard down. He considered what to say, though he knew that he couldn't tell the truth. "No, I'm fine," he said simply.
 
Before he left, Harrison listened to Dominic and he was filled with a RAGE. Storming over to the Dwarf he shoves him, sending the Dwarf down onto the ground. Before the Dwarf could stand up, he placed his foot on his stomach, the Dwarf exhaling as it collides with him. Leaning down, Harrison let his anger be shown on his face as he grabs the Dwarf by the hair and pulls his head up towards his own.

"I WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND?! I WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND?! YOU HAVE NO IDEA THE SHIT I'VE GONE THROUGH. THE ANGER AND PAIN I'VE SEEN. ALL THE FUCKING CRAP I'VE HAD TO DEAL WITH JUST BY OPENLY SUPPORTING YOU AND YOURS. YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND, YOU FUCKING CHILD. YOU AT LEAST HAD A BED WHEN YOU WERE A KID. YOU HAVEN'T HAD TO SEE YOUR FRIENDS BEING BEATEN FOR THE SOLE CRIME OF EXISTING AND BEEN TOO WEAK TO STOP IT." He roars in his face before standing up, making sure to put all his weight on the foot holding Dominic down before making his way back towards the door.

"I want you to remember this day as the day you condemned entire families to a similar fate, all in the name of the cause that is trying to stop such a thing." He mutters before opening the door and leaving, slamming it as hard as he could.

Making his way towards the precinct, he prepared to have his hands cuffed for what he did in there before Thomas stepped out in front of him. Placing his hand on Harrison's shoulder, he whispers to him. "Don't worry. It's taken care of. IT guys are dealing with it now." Before making his way down the corridor, leaving a Harrison unsure of what to do now.
 
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