Chapter 6
From DALpedia
Posted by: Xorlak on Wednesday July 6th, 2005
Five years later...
"AHHHHH~!!!!"
It was a scream in the distance, its source hidden by the thick blanket of early morning fog. The black cloaked warrior listened intently, trying the determine the direction. It was from his right, definitely deeper within the town...
He had stumbled upon this village during his travels, not knowing its name, let alone his exact whereabouts... The buildings silently stood around him, their figures reduced to black boxes in the thick fog.
A dark figure dimly appeared in the mist on the dirt road ahead, in the direction of the eerie scream. The visitor did move, instead waiting for the figure to move closer. Perhaps this person knows what is going on... As the figure approached, it became evident that it was limping, moving rather erratically...
"Hello, there!" the black clocked visitor shouted, "is... everything all right?"
The figure did not respond, instead moving closer and closer, until it was visible through the fog. It was a pale man, clothes tattered, bits of skin missing, exposing muscle and bone... it was undead...
"... uhhhhhhh ...."
"Oh, for the love of--!!"
The cloaked visitor jumped back as the zombie lunged at his face. In the same motion, the visitor drew the long sword upon his back, producing a bright silver blade that cut the fog. The slash was smooth and fluid, decapitating the zombie's head and right arm. It fell to the dirt road, lifeless.
The cloaked warrior brought the blade to his right side, angled down, and listened... The ground creaked around him... the dirt shifted and rotten hands sprung from the earth.
"... uhhhhhhhhh..."
Five or six zombies had him surrounded, with more on the way. He lifted his blade above his head in attack position...
"Great..."
Posted by: Aminaga on Wednesday July 6th, 2005
Just then, a mysterious warrior appeared out of nowhere, pulling out a massive, golden sword, preparing to attack one of the zombies with all his might!
"Prepare yourself, creatures of darkness!!"
"YAAAAAAAAAA!"
The man then stood there, and looked upon the zombie, waiting for a "response..."
Posted by: Dude Man on Wednesday July 6th, 2005
Duilin, found himself in the firey cavern, he had seen so many times before. He just walked down, without even thinking of it. He's been threw this so many times before, he can't get out of it, he looses control, he wants to run away but he can't, he just keeps moveing. Suddenly, the specture appeared from last time, he battled it again. He swung his punches and kicks repeatedly at it, but it was no use. He felt anger and hate, he didn't know why, he just did. Horns grew from his forehead, another set of wings grew, his skin darkened with red, and his eyes glowed shineing starts in the night sky. Instead of killing the spector this time, he reached his hand out to it, and it reached his. They both began to merge. Duilin screamed wanting it to stop, and enventually, he woke up, back in his bed.
He fixed up his house. He was able to make money off of becomeing a craftsmen. Rink theived money, for him. Duilin wanted him to stop, but times he rough and he needed the money. The people of the town seemed to have gotten used to Duilin's appearance, but they still feared him and insulted him behind his back. Duilin, dosen't care, to hell with them, he says.
"Duilin!" Rink yells "Duilin, the land lord's knocking at the door."
"Allright..." Duilin replies "I've got it, I've got it..." He walks over to the door and opens it up. He looks at the beared man, he was in his mid fortys, and he had a muddy working cloths, and he allways had a look on his face like he had something to complain about.
"Duilin! Do you have any idea what day it is?" The land lord yells
"Ummm, Wendsday?"
"Yes, and you bill is a month over due! You have 10 minutes to get the hell out!"
"What!? You said I had another week!"
"Yes and that was two weeks ago. Get out!"
"...Fine..."
---------
"Marshal, what was that?" A man wearing blue colthing, and very light armor, of blueish tint and an iron helmet with two horns, on his head.
"I'm not sure, it sounded like yelling and screaming." A man wearing the same uniform replied. "Let us investigate."
The two were warrior mages of the cult know as the Blue Minotaur. They belive that the creatures of the gods were put on the planet for us to use to protect others. It was a small group, that lived in a mysterious pyramid like temple. The one Marshal had been in the group since he was born, his parents were high ranked mages in the group and Marshal hopes to follow in there footsteps.
The both arived were two mysterious warrior were battleing the zombies.
"We should aid them, my brother." Marshal subjested. The two nooded at each other and each held up a small staff made of steel, at the end was a saphire. As they lifted it up the saphire glowed. And two blue bird shaped phantoms appears above them, and both unfaded to the shape of Albatrashes. The two birds flue at a zombie and began ripping it apart.
Posted by: Aminaga on Wednesday July 6th, 2005
Meanwhile, the warrior was stunned by a sudden darkness, which brought him to the ground. He heard a dark laugh in his head...
"Ha ha ha ha ha haaa..."
"What the hell?!" said the warrior! "Who are you?"
"I am the one who will be the doom of all of you, Aminaga Ragtunos...."
Aminaga could then only watch, as he is tortured by the mysterious shadow...
Posted by: Zeros' on Wednesday July 6th, 2005
High above the sky, above the clouds, a rift slowly appeared in the sky. It grew bigger and a flash of silver was seen before a figure jumped out of the rift and started to slowly hover in the air.
Zeros' crossed his arms and gazed down at the ground. He hadn't changed at all. The two black wings behind his back steadily kept him afloat in the air as he studied the ki levels. He smiled sadly. He swivled his head and stared at a spot in the horizion. He uncrossed his arms and pulled his legendary sword, Masamune (the sword of daemon's), from it's sheath and sliced in the air.
A thin line appeared in mid-air. He reached out his left hand and pulled it apart and stepped in, disappearing from the sky.
----
Behind Duilin's land lord, a thin line appeared, from which it grew larger. A flash of silver was seen and Zeros' stepped out, folding his wings behind him, not bothering to hide them from sight.
The land lord nodded and went to turn, but ran into Zero's chest. He was about to yell at him for being reckless, but then he noticed the dark, angel wings and long sword and paled. He fell down and started to scamper backwards.
He opened and closed his mouth several times, but finally his throat seemed to open and he let out a primal scream of terror.
Posted by: Xorlak on Thursday July 7th, 2005
"My thanks," the dark cloaked warrior said, his back to the man with the golden sword. But he quickly noticed the man was in pain.
"Are you... all right...?"
This was no time to talk, as a second and third zombie were quickly upon him.
"Gyah!!"
He spun around and clumsily chopped off an approaching arm (having had his attention diverted). The second slash was much more skillful, severing the torsos of the two attackers at once. They plummeted to the ground in pieces...
Posted by: Aminaga on Thursday July 7th, 2005
"Thank you for helping me..." The man then restored himself using his chaos powers. He had of course been freed from the mysterious shadow this had meant, however, he still had yet to find out who was behind it...
The man then walked away into the far distance, shouting,
"The name's Ragtunos, Aminaga Ragtunos..."
Posted by: Haraldur on Thursday July 7th, 2005
//May I ask where in the world this is taking place? Laus? I need to know for my characters.//
Posted by: Dude Man on Thursday July 7th, 2005
"What?" Duilin gasped. He then grabed his land lord as he fainted in shock.
"What the hell is goin' on here?!" Rink asked as he glided to the ground from outside the door.
"Zeros'? Is that you? Wait...well of course it is, who else looks like that. Well why are you here?" Duilin asked
--------
Another pair of zombies came there way to the two Blue Minotaur mages. On grabed Marshal, and began biteing his arm, and the other one bit his allys neck. The Albatrashs flue towards there masters to the rescue. The giant birds riped apart the zombies with there claws. Marshal, fell to the ground holding his arm, and his ally fell to the ground, with his eyes shut.
Posted by: Zeros' on Thursday July 7th, 2005
Zeros' shrugged nonchalantly and looked up at the sky, crossing his arms again and closing his eyes.
"I felt... distant powers stiring... Over the last five years, it had been too quiet..." Zeros' dropped his head down and opened his eyes, staring at Duilin. "I'm sure you had felt them too..." He whispered. He turned his head to the direction Animaga and the black cloaked man.
"But the strange thing is...." he turned to stare at Duilin again, "... this power isn't Draven's. It's much too dark, not the heated and chaotic aura Draven uses. I came back to find out what this power is." He finished in a whisper, with his arms crossed and eyes closed.
Posted by: Aminaga on Thursday July 7th, 2005
[right][snapback]28577[/snapback][/right]
//Good question, Haraldur. The planet I know is called Gaian, but yeah, where on the planet is it taking place?//
Posted by: Dude Man on Thursday July 7th, 2005
"Yes, I thought I did sence something, yet I've been haveing my nightmares more often..." Duilin replied. "Something tells me, the nightmares have a meaning, since in the past they have related to events that had happened later."
He took a few steps, and looked into the sky. "But, I belive this dark power may have a connection, or it may lead me to the meaning of it some how." He turned around and looked inside to the small red imp inside his house "Rink, bring the landlord inside and put him on the bed, I think we just might be able to extend out bill's due date." He then turned to Zeros' "So, how do you belive we can find this strange power?"
Posted by: Trent on Thursday July 7th, 2005
A small beam of light pierced a zombie's head. Moments of silence. Then, a rush of even more of these beams. The zombie fell down, incapacitated. Zion Ultima dashed by another zombie, slashing it in half. He fell down behind another, slashing downwards, cutting it in half. "Wanna tell me what's going on?"
Posted by: Xorlak on Thursday July 7th, 2005
(It's not Laus. Let's make it on a different continent. Someone else can name it. Heh...)
Seeing more people were joining in on the fight, the dark cloaked man gained more confidence, his silver blade splitting another zombie. He yelled back to Zion:
"No clue. I'm just passing through..."
The undead hordes began to dissipate. He held his blade to his side and approached the figures in the fog that were fighting the same battle as he.
"But judging by the level of decay on these undead, I would guess they were summoned here, rather than recently created..."
Posted by: Zeros' on Friday July 8th, 2005
//Someone else name it.\\
Zeros' looked towards the horizion and turned back to Duilin.
"We simply go to the point where most of the dark power is originating. Though, I don't doubt Draven might somehow be connected to it," he said simply.
Posted by: Aminaga on Friday July 8th, 2005
//I'll let Dude Man, Trent, or Haraldur name it. They better just not name it Makmudda, cause that's copyrighted! <img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tongue.gif' />//
Aminaga, knowing something was still wrong back at the village, ran back there, and pierced one of the zombies heads with his golden sword, which was called, the Blade of Champion. He looked at Zion Ultima, shouting, "Who are you? This is my battle!"
Posted by: Trent on Friday July 8th, 2005
"I am just a wanderer, and as far as I'm concerned, this is OUR battle now, not just yours." Zion started to charge up his most powerful spell... Omni.
Posted by: Aminaga on Friday July 8th, 2005
//Xorlak: Please do not count this as a third post of the day. The copy of the other post dosen't count, right?//
Well, I suppose you can use some backup! Just then, Aminaga charged up his Blade of Champion, and jumped into the air, lunging his sword into the ground, creating a massive shockwave of immense chaos energy, attack the zombies all at once!
Posted by: Dude Man on Friday July 8th, 2005
//How about Isola?//
Marshal stood up. He saw his fellow warrior dead. He closed his eyes, and turned his head. The other Albatrash, faded away into a blue mist. Marshal's Albatrash was still hovering around. Marshal then looked to the hooded man.
"Well despite me being a mage of summoning, I asure you my clan the Blue Minotaurs did not summon these undead beings." Marshal told him "We do not summon the undead."
------
"Well since you came all this way to see me I supose I'll help you find this." Duilin said to Zeros', he cracked his knuckles "Shall we go to the direction the energy is?"
Posted by: Xorlak on Friday July 8th, 2005
The silver blade of the black cloaked man diced the final zombie as it groaned. The rising sun began to burn off the intense fog, peaking over the dark buildings of the seemingly deserted town. What little undead were left retreated, burrowing underground the way they came.
The visitor sheathed his blade and took a step towards the warriors that aided him in battle.
"I should thank you for your help. I am a traveler and am unfamiliar with these parts. What is this place?"
At the end of this sentence he seemed slightly distracted, shifting his eyes to his right. After a pause, he muttered lowly:
"... No... not here..."
Posted by: Haraldur on Friday July 8th, 2005
//How about the town being River Town, on the river Laetus in the continent of Helternia?//
Floating over the water on a disk made up of lighting and plasma, Nikola Tesla moves towards an area of scarred ground near Laus, and then drops gently down to it. He kneels, examining the ground on which no plant life has grown during the five years since the leader's departure. He could see the signs of confrontation, of battle, both here and in the distance, seeing mountains which had not been there before that day.
He did not find anything useful, although he did find something of sentimental value. On the ground was a small locket made of the deepest black jet, still with a perfectly preserved leather thong. It appears the leader must have dropped it before whatever happened happened, he assumed it was deliberate.
He put the locket around his neck and beneath his clothing, and move eastwards. He had been told of some strange people being in the east, and it would be wise to meet those the leader counted as companions.
______________________________________________________________
In his meditation chamber, The Great Prophet was startled out of his meditations, by his second sight falling away. The moment was obviously soon to come. He would die soon. All prophets have the inability to see the time at or before their deaths. His life as a seer was now over. A life without such powers, though short, had just begun.
But he had a pice of information from his meditations that troubled him. He assumed that if Zeros' had noticed anything, he would have visited Duilin, so he flew east to River Town in Helternia.
Posted by: Zeros' on Saturday July 9th, 2005
//That works.\\
Zeros' nodded his ascent, but stopped and looked towards the direction the Prophet was coming from.
"Yes. I see the Prophet is coming here as well. Shall we wait for him, or go on ahead?" he said, looking towards the direction the chaos energy was coming from. He then sensed a farmiliar energy near the area and several ones that were new.
"It seems that Zion has already at the area, though, there are other's there as well. Their intentions may be evil or they may be pure. I cannot tell from here," he said, looking towards the horizion.
Posted by: Haraldur on Saturday July 9th, 2005
As The Great Prophet approached River Town, which was built on one of the new continents, this one rising from the remains of Aritan. For this reason there had been many visiting treasure hunters, hoping to find the treasures of that deceased civilisation. This had made many of them very rich, and many dead by the hands of eachother. River Town had been founded on the mouth of the river Laetus to act as a trading hub for the sale of the treasures of Aritan.
He spotted Zeros' in the air, and moved towards him. When he was close enough, he said, "Hello, Zeros'. I will be dieing soon, so I can no longer see into the possibilities of the future, but I have one last one: be wary of those with tatoos which look like this:"
With a gesture, he brought up the image of ten identical blond and bearded men wearing black, all in a circle. In the centre was another identical man, but larger, the same size as the others combined. From him, sparks of lightning were attached to the smaller ten men.
"I cannot tell anymore, for that is all I know. I do not know who they are, only that we should be wary, for we know not their intentions."
_____________________________________________
Nikola Tesla was reaching the edges of Helternia, determined to ask questions of those who were the leader's companions.
Posted by: Aminaga on Saturday July 9th, 2005
"What is wrong?" said Aminaga. Aminaga began to have a bad feeling something was wrong.
Aminaga waiting a very long time, and began to believe he was wasting his time here.
He also thought, "Hmmm, what was that shadow that tried to kill me? It remindes me an awful lot about myself..."
Posted by: Xorlak on Saturday July 9th, 2005
The black cloaked visitor turned his head towards Aminaga.
"I appreciate your help, but there is something I must do... alone..."
He spun around and began to run in a southern direction. The morning fog was almost completely gone by now, and it became evident that there were a number of small rivers that zigzagged through the town. His metallic boots clanked on the first stone bridge as he hurried across it.
He could not have summoned the undead... but he is here... My god... what evil forces have you allied yourself with now...?
----
The dark figure balanced at the very tip of a steep steepled roof.
"Oh my, followed me again. And he's brought friends. What fun! Heh..."
Posted by: Aminaga on Saturday July 9th, 2005
"No!" shouted Aminaga! "Damn, I need to find some way to help! I have no idea what's going to happen to him!"
The song, Knock Them Down from DAX plays in the background, as Aminaga follows the dark figure, and hopes that everything is okay...
Posted by: Trent on Saturday July 9th, 2005
Zion's charging ended up of no use in the current situation, but he remained charged up as he followed Aminaga, not saying a word.
Meanwhile...
--- --- ---
Tsu sat silently in a chair, waiting for his next turn. Please lose... He hears the roaring crowd outside. I don't want to fight you...
Then, from outside: "Hikari wins!"
"Oh, damn... I can't do this again..." Tsu closed his eyes, and sighed.
Posted by: Zeros' on Saturday July 9th, 2005
Zeros' turned and looked at the symbol and simply nodded.
"I see. I will be wary of them, thank you Prophet," he said and turned towards Duilin. "Shall we go now, Duilin, Prophet?" Without waiting for an anwser, Zeros' spread his black angel wings to there maximum wingspan (16 feet from the tip of the right to the tip of the left wing) and took off towards the horizion at a steady pace, his great, black wings carrying him on through the air currents.
Posted by: Haraldur on Saturday July 9th, 2005
The Prophet followed Zeros', after all, a prophet without his seer abilities did not have much of a purpose in life.
____________________________________________________
Nikola saw Zeros' black wings flying in the sky, and moved towards them. When he was moving neck and neck with Zeros', he said, "Good morning! I would like to ask you some questions."
//Please note that Tesla's tatoo is completely covered up by his suit.//
Posted by: Dude Man on Saturday July 9th, 2005
"Rink, you gonna come along on this one?" Duilin said turning his head, to the imp.
Hmmm...I don't want to...but there's just so much he needs to know. Rink thought. He then tilted his head up and grinned "Hell yeah, let's kick some ass!"
"That's the spirt!" Duilin jumped into the air, and spread his wings, and flue off following Zeros'.
Rink sighed and then flue into the air following the rest of the group.
That symbol, the Prophet showed us. The men seems to remind me of Haraldur. Duilin pondered
Posted by: Zeros' on Sunday July 10th, 2005
Zeros' cocked his head calmly to the side and nodded.
"Sure, go ahead," he said.
Posted by: Trent on Sunday July 10th, 2005
Tsu walked out into the ring, saving the announcer the need to call him out. Aura looked at him. Not him again...
Tsu unsheathed Kuon Yaiba, and waited.
Posted by: Haraldur on Sunday July 10th, 2005
Tesla nodded. "Did you know someone called Haraldur?"
The Great Prophet noticed this, but carried on.
Posted by: Dude Man on Sunday July 10th, 2005
Duilin turned his head and looked at Tesla. He gave a look at him that seemed to say 'How the hell do YOU know him?'
Rink rubbed his forehead.
-------
Marshal leaned to down to his dead companion, and took his staff. He held his friends staff and summond a strange figure, that didn't appear to fully materialize, and his friend was consumed by the figure. "Rest in peace with the spirt." He then sighed and followed the others. He seemed curious about this situation, he herd of people like this haveing something to do with the near end of the world five years ago. He decieded that if these people had something to do with this, and if they did summon the great goddess of earth, then he would attempt to gain as much information about them and document it.
Posted by: Xorlak on Sunday July 10th, 2005
The black cloaked visitor came to a large open space in the town, his flashing blade by his side. In the center was a large fountain, though it was not functioning. Large steepled buildings surrounded all four sides of the town square...
"My my, don't you ever give up?"
The visitor's eyes shifted back and forth.
"Show yourself!"
"Really, this is getting ridiculous. You of all people should be helping me..."
"Mavas! Show yourself!!"
"Ven, Ven, Ven, irksome and tiring this is... it's about time you gave in..."
A shadow engulfing a faint red point of light disappeared into an alley. Ven brought his silver blade forward and clasped the hilt with his second hand.
The next five seconds were nothing but intense silence...
Suddenly, a massive explosion tore apart the small tavern directly behind the dark cloaked man, sending him tumbling forward in a clumsy summersault. The next few seconds seemed to occur in slow motion for the experienced warrior. He spun around in mid tumble, facing the blast, regaining his balance in a crouching position as the flames skid past him. At that moment, some forty thin blades of steel began to rain down on him from the heavens, each blade piercing deeply into and crushing the fragile cobblestones of the street. Ven leapt backwards in evasion, narrowly escaping the assault, and brought his silver sword from his right side to his face in anticipation of the strike from the shadow rapidly descending from above...
Mavas' jagged sword met Ven's with such force that the two were knocked apart some twenty feet, the feet of each skidding on the ground as they regained their balance.
Ven stood upright without saying a word, grabbing the collar of his black cloak and throwing the cloth off, reavealing a billiant suit of silver armor. He held his blade with both hands low to the ground in anticipation...
Posted by: Zeros' on Sunday July 10th, 2005
Zeros' gave Tesla a piercing look.
"I might of..." he said slowly, unsure of this man's intentions. He then turned towards the horizion and saw the explosion. He pulled his wings inward and flapped them once, causing a sonic boom to reverberate around and propell him forwards at more then 200 m/ph. The dust on the ground fanned out and swirled in the air as Zeros' flapped his mighty black wings.
Posted by: Xorlak on Monday July 11th, 2005
"Hee-YAHH!!"
Ven slashed his blade upwards, letting lose a brilliant silver crescent of energy towards his opponent. The crescent skidded across the ground, tearing up the pavement as it blasted towards the dark figure.
Mavas met the attack with a diagonal swipe of his jagged sword, deflecting the energy in two. Ven retaliated with an identical attack, and another... and another... Each time Mavas destroyed the attack with his blade, taking a step closer to the silver knight with each blow...
Posted by: Aminaga on Monday July 11th, 2005
"Nooo!!" shouted Aminaga, as he continued to run toward "Go to hell!" said Aminaga, as he approached Mavas, preparing to strike him down with his Blade of Champion.
"Yessss...." said a voice in Aminaga's mind. "Use your rage to destroy him!!"
Posted by: Dude Man on Monday July 11th, 2005
Duilin, saw Zeros' fly off, so he grabed Rink and casted an explotion at his feet, causeing him to blast like a rocket, he spread out his wings and began following Zeros'.
Posted by: Trent on Monday July 11th, 2005
Zion appeared directly in Aminaga's path. "Are you going to charge forward with rage fueling you, or are you going to just charge?" He could feel the emotional energy inside him.
--- --- ---
"3... 2... 1... FIGHT!"
Aura charged forward, both her scimitars in the ready. Coming up on Tsu, she commenced a flurry of slashes, with Tsu doing nothing but blocking them. He did get caught across the cheek, though, and lashed back out by swinging low and tripping her up. He said not a word, and just waited.
Posted by: Dude Man on Monday July 11th, 2005
Marshal ran and caught up to Aminaga and Zion.
"Sir, you need to calm down." Marshal said to Aminaga "By the looks of it, it dose not appear he wants you interfer in his battle. Just wait..."
Posted by: Zeros' on Monday July 11th, 2005
Zeros' narrowed his eyes as he felt the strong rage energy being built up. He looked back and noticed Duilin and Rink flying towards him fast, with Tesla and the Prophet behind him. He turned around and flapped his wings harder, using his senses to propell himself on the strongest current of air he could find, making him fly faster.
He did not want to expend much energy, especially not know how powerful this force was.
Posted by: Trent on Tuesday July 12th, 2005
"If he wants to help this guy, it's his business. I know I'd do the same. But rage is dangerous. If you cannot properly use your emotions, then they simply consume you and impair. Calm down, and then I will go in with you."
--- --- ---
"Why won't you fight me seriously!?" Aura lashed out at Tsu with a powerful slash, but he had his blade up relatively long before the scimitar connected. He pushed back, and leaped high into the air, turning a flip, sailing to the other end of the ring. From above, one could see teal translucent angel wings fading out. He landed, and turned around. "..."
"I'll never like you! Stop trying and just fight me!"
"...Fine..." He held Kuon Yaiba in an awkward stance as he hung his head, causing his eyes to be covered with a dark shadow. His right hand gripped the white hilt, and his left hand was held with its palm on the golden cap on the hilt. He started to glow with dark energy.
Posted by: Aminaga on Tuesday July 12th, 2005
"No!" shouted Aminaga. "I must finish him off! As I said, this is my battle!"
Aminaga charged up his Blade of Champion even more, as he approached Mavas, ready to close in for the kill...
"Veerrrryy...gooooood...." said the voice in Aminaga's head...
Posted by: Xorlak on Tuesday July 12th, 2005
"Nya ha haa!!"
Without looking at the rapidly approaching attacker from behind, Mavas raised his blade and began a sort of spinning jump. His jagged blade struck Aminaga's sword in the first spin, deflecting the attack. But he angled his body in the second spin so that his blade rapidly fell upon the back of Aminaga's neck...
But this attack was interrupted by a metal boot to the face. Ven had lunged at Mavas, performing a long distance flying kick which sent Mavas tumbling on the ground some twenty feet. Ven landed directly behind Aminaga.
"Blast it! I said stay out of this!!"
Mavas recovered mid-tumble and balanced himself in a crouching position, his left fist now glowing an icy blue. He had been knocked over by Marshal and Zion, and was effectively surrounded by the four warriors.
"Nonsense, brother! The more, the merrier..."
He shot up into the air in a giant leap, turning his glowing fist to the ground, he let loose a small orb of blue energy. The orb impacted the ground where he was standing an exploded in a bright cyan color... The ground around the explosion was instantly frozen in a 15 foot radius, and razor sharp shards of ice began to rain down upon the four warriors...
Posted by: Haraldur on Tuesday July 12th, 2005
//Aminaga, why the Star Wars copying?//
Tesla followed Zeros'. The locket around his neck was throbbing slightly, which worried him.
Posted by: Trent on Tuesday July 12th, 2005
"Idiot!" Zion charged at Aminaga. He pulled Eternity Weapon back, slashing at the back upon coming in range.
--- --- ---
Aura watched the darkness flow from Tsu. Then, the two swordsmen charged at each other.
"Despair Force... Ignite! じきーしい、いきます！" The darkness around Tsu focused to the blade as he leaped into the air, turning many, many flips, and then slashing down toward Aura.
"Eclipse Blade!" Aura's blades were surounded by a white light, and she swung upwards with all her might toward Tsu.
The two warriors passed by each other, and then, suspense.
Posted by: Aminaga on Tuesday July 12th, 2005
"You shall pay for that one!" shouted Aminaga in his fury! He then began to charge up his Blade of Champion, however, he knew that Zion was not worth it, and decided to save it for Mavas. "I am sorry. Let's save it for who we're really after. What is your name again?"//Heh. It'll make sense to you when it gets later into the story...//
Posted by: Zeros' on Tuesday July 12th, 2005
Zeros' stopped in the air with a gentle flap of his black wings above the battle, observing the fighters below.
Hmm... Zion is already here fighting... He though, spotting Zion among the warriors. He looked at Aminaga, feeling the pure rage. He has great power, but his actions are clouded and fueled by rage. He looked at Ven and Mavas, noticing their similar aura's and the last part of his sentence.
Brother's... hmm... He mused silently to himself. He then looked at Marshal. He is one of them... interesting He thought. He then noticed the ground freeze and icicles start to rain.
Posted by: Xorlak on Wednesday July 13th, 2005
Ven deflected a shard of ice with his blade, severing it in two.
Mavas began to slowly float downwards, a mist emanating around him from the remains of his attack. He paused for a moment, then singled out Zeros' with a glance.
Excellent... Most excellent...
"I shall take my leave now gentlemen. 'Till we meet again!"
The ruby around his neck flashed a bright crimson and a pillar of light shot southward... he was gone...
Ven charged the mist and slashed it with his blade as it thinned.
"BLAST IT!! So close... I told you to leave me alone!"
He clenched his fist angrily at Aminaga and the gathered warriors in general, but then calmed down, saying in a more forgiving tone:
"You wouldn't understand..."
The silver knight sheathed his sword on his back and walked towards his discarded black cloak.
Posted by: Aminaga on Wednesday July 13th, 2005
"Please tell me. I have a feeling I will..." said Aminaga. I have once have an enemy like you almost a decade ago. "Please. I know what this is like. I am just wanting to help you..."
Posted by: Haraldur on Wednesday July 13th, 2005
"I suggest you be quiet," The Great Prophet said in a grumpy and impatient tone. "Let us just get on with what we are doing."
Tesla said,"Actually, what are you all doing?"
//I mean this, what is actually happening? I have not a clue. Why are we in this spot? Where are we travelling to? Is there method to this confusion of relationships?//
Posted by: Dude Man on Wednesday July 13th, 2005
Duilin hovered in the air next to Zeros', flapping his wings. "This must be it, Zeros'." He looked at Ven "It seems to be comeing from him."
He then looks at Aminaga 'A warrior clouded in a battle of rage. Seems much simular to me.'
-------
Marshal steped foward "Excuse me..." He said to Aminaga "But by my first impression of you, it seems that you might need some help to." He said not trying to sound offensive.
Posted by: Zeros' on Wednesday July 13th, 2005
Zeros' nodded.
"Yes..." he said. He looked at each warrior in turn from his position in the air. He noticed the Mavas character leave and decided this was a good time to show himself.
Without waiting for an anwser, he used his superior speed and ghosted (a term for when one seems to disappear from sight and reppear almost an instant) right behind where Ven was walking.
His trench coat flared out behind him from the sudden movement and ruffled as he reappeared. The dirt flared and swirled. The grass around flattened as a sudden wind came over it.
"Hello there," he said, being polite.
Posted by: Trent on Wednesday July 13th, 2005
"I am Zion Ultima," he said. "You are...?"
--- --- ---
More suspense.
Then, Aura collapsed on the ground. Tsu turned his head to look, and then left the ring as the commentators announced the winner.
Posted by: Aminaga on Wednesday July 13th, 2005
"My name is Aminaga Ragtunos." said Aminaga. "I have ventured many lands, and apparently, my travels have brought me here, Zion Ultima." He then said to Marshal "And who are you?"
Posted by: Dude Man on Wednesday July 13th, 2005
"I am Marshal Royle. I am a warrior of a group known as the Blue Minotaur, we specalize in the summoning of creatures for the help of man kind. I have herd stories of people such as yourselves who have had something to do with stopping the near end of the world five years ago..."
Duilin landed down on the ground. "Zion, long time no see." He nodded
"Ah, another winged man." Marshal said. He then spotted Rink, cluching to Duilin's arm "And, and an imp as it so appears!"
"It's okay, he's solitatary." Duilin responded "His name is Rink, I'm Duilin."
"Yeah, it stunk down in hell." Rink said, as he jumps down to the ground. He dusts himself off. "So, what the devil is goin' on here?"
Posted by: Haraldur on Wednesday July 13th, 2005
Nikola Tesla said, "My name is Nikola Tesla."
The Great Prophet said, "People just call me Prophet."
Posted by: Xorlak on Wednesday July 13th, 2005
Ven stopped in his tracks as the dust swirled around him. He turned and looked the man in the eye. He appeared human, except for the wings... but he obviously was not. Not with that kind of an aura...
He nodded his head in return.
"Hello."
It was obvious his little battle was attracting much attention. Probably best to tell them... He began with a sigh.
"My name is Ven Hyul. The man who attacked me... Mavas... is not what you think."
He turned and picked up his discarded cloak, removing a concealed canteen from it. He took a drink before continuing.
"The pendant around his neck bears a curse. While it grants him great power, it also makes him insane... It is tainted with evil... It is impossible to remove by anyone except by him, for anyone who touches it will also become afflicted by the curse, or so I've heard..."
He threw the black cloak over his silver armor and began to fasten it.
"I've heard of another similar pendant... the Kelvos... one with a blue gem that blocks the curse, which is what I've been seeking for the past few months... None of you would have happened to know anything about that now, would you?"
It was worth a shot, since they looked like a pretty well diversified group of warriors.
Posted by: Zeros' on Wednesday July 13th, 2005
Zeros' scratched his chin thoughtfully, pondering the man's question.
"I'm not too sure. Even as well versed in my travels of this planet over the centuries (Zeros' never reveals his age), I've heard many legends from other angel's and demon's that come from above and below to...hunt for me. I overheard a group of angel's talking about the pendent you talk about, the Kelvos," he said looking up to the sky.
"They didn't say the location of it, only that it was forge by a mystical being from Asgard - which is the plane above - and sent down to earth to counter the pendent that the demon's in Niffliem forged, the one with the red gem. Neither of them were supposed to fall into human hands," he said contemplatively.
"Each grant a special power. The one with the red gem grants the user great power, but makes them insane. It is said that only the demon's born from the flesh of Niffliem could control the state of insaneness that the red gem grants in order to harness the power properly. And the red gem does indeed inflict the curse on the person who touches it, but that curse cannot be removed, or so I've heard.
"The Kelvos is the opposite of the red gemmed necklace. The Kelvos will block the user from any curse as you said. It will also allow the user to control any emotion that they feel, which mean combining the two, that person would be a force to reckon with. I am sorry to say, Ven that I have heard of both, but have seen neither in the face of battle," he said. He tilted his head down and stared Ven directly in the eye.
"Now, I have a question for you: have you heard of a man named Draven or his Crimson Empire? Any imformation would be extremely helpful to myself and my companion, Duilin and Rink" he said, gesturing towards Duilin and Rink's position.
Posted by: Aminaga on Thursday July 14th, 2005
"I beg your pardon, but who is this Draven you speak of? And what is the Crimson Empire?" said Aminaga. "Are they working with Mavas? Or are they your own enemy?" "And Ven, are you asking us to find the Kelvos for you?" said Aminaga.
"Also, everyone, I apoligise for that sudden rage conttroling me."Aminaga said. "For it was a sudden darkness trying to control me. I still have yet to discover what it is..."
Posted by: Xorlak on Thursday July 14th, 2005
Ven adjusted a strap on his silver gauntlet.
"Hmm... Draven... yes, I've heard that name. A former general of the Dark Empire turned emperor. Not very surprising, considering what I've heard. A man who has destroyed cities with his open palm and can incinerate a man with a glance. I've heard other sorts of rumors as well. A god among men, people in some areas call him. An accomplished dragon slayer. And a few people insist he has saved the world at least once. I'm not sure which ones to believe. I don't intend to go anywhere near the Dark Continent again anyway..."
He then turned to Aminaga.
"I certainly hope Mavas isn't with this... Crimson Empire... I'm not asking you to find anything for me. I just want to collect as much information as I can."
Posted by: Aminaga on Thursday July 14th, 2005
"Don't worry, Ven, I will do whatever you say." said Aminaga. "I'm with you till the end..."
A breif pause for 10 seconds...
"Okay, now what?" says Aminaga. "Must we go after Mavas, or should we try to find this Draven the man with the wing speaks of. That is, if Draven is still alive..."
Posted by: Dude Man on Thursday July 14th, 2005
Duilin snorted after Ven's description of Draven. "Saved the world? The only thing he's saved is his own sorry ass from a multiple headed black dragon. The man, is powerfull I'll give him that, but if you want to make a choice of what to belive about him then here is it: He's a hartless freak, and he is the one true mistake the gods made in this world."
Duilin crosses his arms and then looks at Aminaga "I assure you Draven is still alive. You can rip his hart out, if he had one, and shove it down his nose, and he'd still probabbly have enough energy to pillage a small town and order a bunch of stupid brutes around and capture young childern and eat there parents."
Marshal narrows his eyes at Duilin "I take it your not to fond of this 'Draven' character?"
"Oh what are you kidding? I love him! He's like a brother to me." He replies sarcasticly
"Calm, Duilin." Rink warns "Whenever the name Draven, or Nex, or Darion, or Veronika comes up you get angry. Now hush!"
Duilin sighes and then turns around.
"Might I subjest..." Marshal says "That we go in search of Mavas first, since he is closer, and we know that he is a bigger threat at the time."
Posted by: Trent on Thursday July 14th, 2005
He offered a nod of greeting to Duilin, and simply listened in to everything.
Posted by: Zeros' on Thursday July 14th, 2005
"Dark Continent..." he whispered under his breath, etching the name of the continent in his memory. He nodded in thanks to Ven and turned to Marshal.
"That is partially true. If Mavas and Draven join their power, I'm not sure if we can stop them in time. And I agree. Mavas is a bigger threat as of now," he turned to Ven. "Would you know where the man might be hiding?" he inquired.
Posted by: Dippy on Thursday July 14th, 2005
Meanwile on the shores of river town a watchman spots a small dot on the horizon he suspects nothing and contunues on his watch.
After a half hour or so the dot turns out to be a ship with a black sail that be a pirate sail with a big dark age dollar G with cross bones.
soon the ship pulls up to the dock and a slim trim jamacian looking pirate walks out, from the crossplank
"Who are you and what do you want?!?" exclams the watchman.
"The names' Captain Jonny Albatrash, and I have come for your money, your boooze and your women!"
"You can't just waltz in hear and-" He was cut off by the sound of Albatrash's shotgun blowing his brains out all over the dock. Him and his crew walk off the dock and step into the town, filled with frightened townsmen.
"Now every one! you heard me hand over your stuff!" Albatrash then motions for his first mate, Skippy and a bunch of pirates to collect the goods. Albatrash smiles and then a small monkey wearing a bandana runs out of the ship and climbs up onto the captain's shoulder.
Posted by: Dude Man on Friday July 15th, 2005
"Huh!? What's that?" Duilin turned around hearing a noise.
"What?" Marshal asked.
"I herd yelling and...gun fire..."
"Gunfire?"
"Yeah, sounds like a Calibrate Auto Shotgun..."
"What's a Calibrate Auto Shotgun?"
"It's a handheld gun, that you can load with as many ammuntion as posible, and it just fires all of them out..." Duilin responds "I remember somebody useing one. The sound is comeing from the town, near the shore. This shouldn't take to long, let's check it out."
Duilin jumps up into the air and flaps his wings and Rink jumps up and grabs onto Duilin's leg. He then sores off into the derection of the comotion.
Posted by: Aminaga on Friday July 15th, 2005
"What the hell?" said Aminaga. "What do they mean by that?" Aminaga said. "Guys, do you happen to know what Duilin could be talking about?" "I mean, this can't possibly the Draven you guys are looking for! Is it?"
Aminaga wondered, "Should he follow them, or stay behind?"
Posted by: Dude Man on Friday July 15th, 2005
"Listen Aminaga." Marshal said "As you can plainly hear, there is a town, in danger from 'something' and my best bet is that it might be the Crimson Empire Tax Collecters. They are a band of cold blooded pirates, that raid towns for money to aid the Crimson Empire war fund. I've confronted them before, and I had hunch they would come here. You shouldn't question helping people in need Aminaga."
Marshal then runs off following Duilin.
Posted by: Aminaga on Friday July 15th, 2005
"You're right, Marshal! I must assist them immediatly!" said Aminaga. He then followed Duilin and Rink, wondering what this danger was.
Posted by: Xorlak on Friday July 15th, 2005
"Well..."
Ven partially ignored the commotion while conversing with Zeros'.
"He's been running around the world aimlessly since he has been afflicted. At least it appears aimless... I can sense the pendant's aura when he uses some of it's stronger power sometimes, but I believe that may be intentional. He has been trying to spread the curse to me as well, you see... I can also usually sense his own aura within a half mile or so. He has left to the south, which is the direction I intend to go. It's usually hit or miss. Sometimes I wonder if he isn't following me...
"I am worried, though, that he has begun to ally himself with other forces of evil. I doubt the hordes of undead that attacked this village could have been summoned by him, you see..."
More commotion emanated from the harbor, which Ven couldn't ignore.
"Perhaps we should... see what's going on?"
He began to walk in the direction of the harbor, briskly, his black cloak flowing with him.
Posted by: Dude Man on Friday July 15th, 2005
Duilin and Rink arived near the town. Duilin pointed to Albatrash. "You! What the hell do you think you're doing?" He yelled
Marshal runs up and spots the pirates. "Just as I thought." He said to himself. "Let's see what dose this call for..."
Posted by: Dippy on Friday July 15th, 2005
"Ahh... so is this resistance? Perfect, now i get to have some fun!" Jonny Albatrash says as he aims his gun.
"gawhah shugg fshihhh!" a crazy peggleged tungeless man with two hook hands runs out of the ship and jumps at Duilin. Albatrash's first mate Skippy, swings out his scimitar. The burly man walks toward the group of heros, along with a large group of pirates.
Posted by: Zeros' on Friday July 15th, 2005
Zeros', himself, flaps his winds, dust and dirt fanning out behind him as he rose into the air. He then flaps his wings again and propell's himself towards the harbor.
Posted by: Trent on Friday July 15th, 2005
Zion swept into action, following Marshal to the commotion, and finding the captain and brains blown out. He prepared to engage the man, but a familliar voice stopped him.
"Back off."
Xenai Omega dropped down in front of Marshal and Zion with Zero Weapon unsheathed and at the ready. "I've got this guy. I understand there's quite a bit of a bounty on him, or at the very least, my client's willing to pay me quite a bit to take care of him."
Zion sheathed Eternity Weapon. "Fine by me. Oh, and hi. Nice to see you."
"Same to you, bud."
Posted by: Dude Man on Friday July 15th, 2005
"Zion, who is this man?" Marshal asked "He seems like a bounty hunter."
Duilin, is knocked to the ground by Belge. Duilin, kicks off the attack. "What the hell?" He asks himself as he sees the crippled monster. "I should just end your misery, right now..." He begins to charge a fire ball but stops "Wait, I think I'll have some fun with this guy." He, takes out his mace, and jumps at Belge and swing his mace downward at the pirate.
Posted by: Dippy on Friday July 15th, 2005
Belge grabs at the mace with his hook and attempts to cut Duilin with the other hook but misses
"yarr you show that punker whos boss!" Skippy cheers him on
Belge than kicks Duilin in the gut with his peg leg "BLAHH!!!"
Meanwile Albatrash talks to Xenai
"So i see you are after the bounty on my head, well soon there will be a smoking crater in yours!" Albatrash aims his gun at Xenai and fires. the bullet hits the ground between his feet "Dance! Little bounty boy Dance! Because Veronnica is on the floor!"
Skippy takes out his pistol "Alrite Boys its playtime!" All the pirates take out there guns and swords and begin to robe the homes and attack anyone who stands in there way.
Bongo (the monkey) junps off Albatrashes shoulder and sees the cheeky little imp Rink and thinks he might have something of value so Bongo takes out his dagger and charges.
Posted by: Zeros' on Friday July 15th, 2005
Zeros' flaps his wings once, stopping his forwards momentum and obseves the pirates with distaste.
He see's the pirates attacking the village and ghost's down from his position in the sky and appears in front of the pirates, his wing's spread wide and his arm's crossed in front of his chest.
"Hello, pirates," he said in distaste. "Leave now before you get burtally maimed or killed," he said in a matter-of-fact voice.
Posted by: Aminaga on Saturday July 16th, 2005
Just then, Aminaga jumped on the scene, and pulled out his Blade of Champion, ready to attack the pirates. "Now, pirates, prepare yourself!" said Aminaga, as he lunged into the air, ready to crush one of the pirates in one blow...
Posted by: Xorlak on Saturday July 16th, 2005
Ven stood in the middle of a cobblestone street that overlooked the harbor. The street was on higher ground, thus providing him a good overview of the battle.
"Blast... I don't have time for this..."
His right hand clasped the hilt of the blade on his back as the cool sea breeze blew his cloak...
Posted by: Haraldur on Saturday July 16th, 2005
Nikola watched the fight with interest, before deciding to intervene.
He dropped his Tesla coil on to the ground and zapped it with a beam of light from his index finger. The coil began to hum, and then large spears of lightning like electricity went towards the three pirates. Due to the very high frequency of the alternating current, the pirates would not feel anything, due to it being faster than their nerves. However, after a long enough time, their skin would burn off (it starts getting damaged as soon as it is hit). There is no way to avoid this attack except moving away from the area, in which case the coil will either target the ground, someone closer, or another target until turned off.
He then fired hot plasma at Albatrash from his ray-gun.
Posted by: Dude Man on Saturday July 16th, 2005
Duilin, steps back a bit after the wooden leg hits him. Duilin then thrusts his mace at Belge's face. (I'm very aware of the fact that, face and mace rime)
As the monkey runs at Rink, the imp points his pointer and middle finger at the monkey and shoots a fire ball at him.
Marshal notices Tesla is blasting electricity all over the place. "What the hell is that fool doing? He could kill us all doing that. He runs off, to a safer distance. He then rases his staff, and a blue phatom image of lizard appears, it then forms a Vile Lizard. The Lizard then runs off and begins attacking pirates.
Posted by: Dippy on Saturday July 16th, 2005
The plasma shot skims by Albatrashes face "Owch! Hot! well i see you have some sort of magic device you witch! I dont like witches" He takes out his rapier and charges at Nicola and slashes.
The pirates being lead by Skippy see Aminaga "Ahh freash meat, Pirates attack!" Skippy orders three pirates to attack
The fire ball hits Bongo knocking him to the ground but that mostly enrages the monkey so he runs at rink to stab him.
Posted by: Haraldur on Saturday July 16th, 2005
//In the mean time keep in mind that you should have sustained some damage from the tesla coil, whoich you have moved away from.//
Nikola sees Albatrash moving towards him, and ducks from the slash. After that, he fires his ray gun's plasma shot into Albatrash from point blank range.
Posted by: Aminaga on Saturday July 16th, 2005
"Fresh meat?" says Aminaga. "I'm not THAT fresh. Why not eat Marshal over there, he's fresh meat."
*Prayes to god Aminaga won't get eaten.
"Aw, what the hell, why don't I just kill you?" says Aminaga. "Lunges Blade of Champion into air again, this time, showing Skippy the true meaning of rage! "Now, witness the the great, flaming power, of the Blade of Champion!" says Aminaga. "Ah ha ha ha haaa!"
Posted by: Trent on Saturday July 16th, 2005
Xenai dances to appease the man, but a sly smirk comes on his face. He charges forward at Albatrash. "Say your prayers, boy! 10 Seconds To Hell!"
He unleashes a flurry of rapid ki-powered slashes upon the pirate captain, holding out this fierce assault for 10 seconds. Upon finishing the assault, he jumps back to see how he did...
Posted by: Zeros' on Saturday July 16th, 2005
Zeros' steps forwards and disappears from the pirate's view as one of them attacked a woman and child. He reappears as the pirate swing's the sword downwards at the woman and child. He simply holds up his hand and catches the slow moving, clumsy sword slash with his left hand.
"Too bad," he said distastefully. "Attacking innocent woman and children," he spat. His right hand twitched and it blurred. When Zeros' let go of the sword, there were four, loud thumps as the pirates bodies fell to the ground, their swords clattering uselessly beside their dead, limp bodies.
On all the pirate, there were four holes right below the left breast. Blood oozed out and splintered bone pieces broke off and fell. The skin around the wound seemed to be burned slightly. Behind each of the pirates was a still-beating heart.
"Who's up next?" he asked.
Posted by: Dippy on Sunday July 17th, 2005
Albatrash sees the ki slash coming at him he draws his rapier to block it when the plasma blast hits it "Ahh! Damn you, man. You melted my sword!" he says at he throws a magic bomb at the ki blast decresing it to a nomal sword strike cutting him across the chest. "Thats it man, I am gonna kill you both for that" he readys his shotgun and fires several times (at both Tesla and Xenai) wilst lying on the ground.
Belge turns his head to doge the mace but was to slow and was knocked back a few feet on to the ground out cold.
"Hahaha! I laugh at that blade of...Champion......RUN!!!!!!" the Pirates begin to scatter in fear.
"You idiots! Ohh well if you want a job done you have to do it yourself." Skippy mumbles as he draws his scimitar "Yarr me matey! Lets go!" Skippy gets into fighting stance.
Posted by: Dude Man on Sunday July 17th, 2005
Duilin grins. "That easy eh? I was hopeing to at least put SOME energy into the that..." Duilin, examins the crippled freak. "God...What happened to this guy?" He then stands back up. "Well you stay there and stink up that peice of earth your sleeping on, you'll wake up with an extremly harsh headache. Meanwile, rest well and dream of deformed crippled women..." Duilin, then walks off and blasts an energy bolt at a random pirate, draining the life out of the weak little man.
As the monky runs at Rink, he flies up into the air, dodgeing it, and then dives down aiming a kick at the little creep.
The Vile Lizard, stomps threw the village, scareing villagers and pirates, it tackles a pirate and begins tearing it up and eating it.
Marshal watches it, he seems to be focused well on it. He can control it, but he likes to leave it on auto pilot. It knows friend from foe, the monsters mind is slightly connected with Marshals.
Posted by: Aminaga on Sunday July 17th, 2005
"You laugh at that Blade of Champion?" said Aminaga. "Hardly, pathetic cowards. Now, as I was saying, witness the the great, flaming power, of the Blade of Champion!" shouted Aminaga as he leapt into the air, and remained in the clouds for a good 5 seconds.
Just then, Aminaga fell back down, and his Blade of Champion fell through the ground, creating a massive shockwave of intense energy, about 20ft tall. "I warned you!" said Aminaga with a sinister grin on his face.
Posted by: Xorlak on Sunday July 17th, 2005
"How rude. They're interrupting my game. They're loosing too... Idiots! They're MY victims!"
"Hssss... yesss..."
"Well now, their loss is your gain... perhaps you should give them your gift. Make things a bit more... interesting... heh..."
"Yesss, masster..."
The smaller shadow and the taller one with the glowing red core parted ways.
----
Ven remained frozen in his stance for some time, seemingly disturbed...
"Heavens, such a random brawl is above your taste, is it not?"
Ven quickly drew his blade and held it to his side.
"Mavas..."
Like a flash of lightning he brought the blade above his head and cleaved the shadow behind him. The illusion faded with a chuckle.
"Heh heh heh..."
With his back to the battle, Ven stared into the town.
"You can't run forever..."
He took of at full speed back into the winding streets, his silver blade to his right side, his black cloak flowing...
----
A small figure, some four feet tall, draped in gray robes, silently approached a group of dead pirates at the edge of the battle. There were three of them, lying in pools of their own blood.
"Deathh, deathh, oh gloriouss deathh!! Show them..."
One by one the pirates eyes opened with a blank, pupil-less stare...
"... uhhhhhh..."
As the gray figure disappeared behind the shadows of crates near the harbor's pier, the pirate zombies sprung to life, the three of them approaching Marshal from the side...
Posted by: Haraldur on Sunday July 17th, 2005
Using his mastery of magnetism, Tesla causes the metal balls from the shotgun to slow down and stop moving horisontally, and so they fell down vertically with no horisontal movement.
While doing this, Tesla shoots the prone Albatrash twice with his ray gun from point blank range, surely there was no way for him to escape.
The Great Prophet arrives, leaning on his walking stick. He wacks Albatrash (or his dead body, depending on what happens) on the head with his walking stick, hard.
Posted by: Dude Man on Sunday July 17th, 2005
"My god..." Marshal gasped "A necromancer is among the area..." Marshal swung his staff at one of the zombies, knocking it away. He became abit frightened, he dosen't do much fighting himself, since his only way of protection is summoning monsters. He made a high pitched whistling noise, and the Vile Lizard immedately ran at one of the zombies, jumped into the air, tackleing it, and ripping it's throut out.
Duilin, spoted a the small figure. He jumped into the air and flaped his wings and swooped over to the specter. He casted a fireball, and held it in his hand, prepareing to toss it "Who are you!?" He yelled
Posted by: Dippy on Monday July 18th, 2005
Albatrash takes his already burnt and melted rapier and uses it to block the shot however he doesn’t let go fast enough and gets extremely shocked making him fly back a few feet as the Prophet begins his assault.
The kick at Bongo causes him to rune away to his master Albatrash and sees the old man hitting him he instinctively jumps on his head scratching at him. Albatrash staggers to his feet and pulls out his shotgun and aims it at tesla as Bongo puts his dagger against the Prophet's throat. "Now, you have a choice! Put down your witchcraft machine now or the old man dies!"
---
Skippy gets up off the ground with a slightly singed beard "Well...That’s some shockwave sword you got there...well I have one better... A rusty iron scimitar! If the blade doesn’t kill you the tetanus will!" Skippy takes a drink from a bottle of rum a pirate hade dropped there before and then he runs into a sword fight with Aminaga.
Posted by: Haraldur on Monday July 18th, 2005
The Great Prophet grinned. "Old I may be, but helpless I am not."
He used a short range teleport spell, moving left, leaving Bongo hanging in the air. As Bongo began to fall, he smashed him away from his descent with a strike from his walking stick, sending him rushing towards Albatrash as a living missile.
//Did he actually shoot the gun at Tesla?//
Tesla shot at Albatrash twice, with the slight possibility of hitting the flying monkey instead.
Posted by: Zeros' on Monday July 18th, 2005
//100 Pages...\\
Zeros' narrowed his eyes as he sensed the Necromancy being used. He ghosted from his position to the last undead pirate. As the undead pirate spotted him, he began to moan and shuffle towards him. Zeros' simply closed his eyes and held two finger to his forehead.
As the undead pirate reached within a foot of Zeros, he snapped his eyes open and thurst his two finger out, touching them to zombie's forehead. The undead pirate blinked and let out a loud moan before it simply turned to ash.
Zeros' looked around before ghosting and reappearing at the Prophet's side.
"Did you sense that just now, Prophet?" he asked, his arms crossed and eyes closed.
Posted by: Trent on Monday July 18th, 2005
Xenai simply tilted his head to avoid the bullet, and he pointed a finger up at Albatrash, firing a small but extremely fast ki ball at him.
Posted by: Aminaga on Monday July 18th, 2005
//Dippy, why are you always going after Aminaga only?//
Aminaga blocks Skippy's attacks, and slashes through his Blade of Champion, however, he really had slashed the sword with a baseball bat.
He through the bat aside, and used the Blade of Champion to slash through Skippy's sword.
"By the way, 'Skippy', was your mother drinking when she named you?"
Aminaga raises his Blade of Champion again into the air, preparing to close in for the kill...
Posted by: Dippy on Monday July 18th, 2005
// No I am not \\
Bongo falls to the ground and scurries onto Albatrash's shoulder and begins to shiver "Aw poor thing... Alright! All pirates move toward the ship! We have done enough damage here!" Albatrash commands the pirates as he steps back letting the ki blast hit the tesla blast and he starts swiftly skipping toward the ship as pirates are scrabbling to get aboard and you can hear the faint sound of him whistling the sailor song. As the pirates get on the ship. The ship begins to move and the large metallic cylinders lights up and the rocket propulsion kicks in and the ship sails away.
Posted by: Trent on Tuesday July 19th, 2005
"Oh, no! You are NOT getting away!" Xenai ejected translucent black angel wings from his back, and took off after the ship, quickly gaining on it. He dropped onto the deck. "Come and get it!"
Posted by: Aminaga on Tuesday July 19th, 2005
"I'll stop them!" said Aminaga. "Let there ship fear the wrath of the Blade of Champion!"
*Dark choir singing in background. <img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tongue.gif' />
"Now, my ultimate weapon, let us go, destroy that ship, and win this battle for us!"
The Blade of Champion attacks the ship, and pierces a hole in the ship, then, his fiery blade led Aminaga back to the shore.
"Now, let's find Ven..."
Posted by: Trent on Tuesday July 19th, 2005
"Sure, have your fun and destroy the ship, but I have a bounty to earn!" to Aminaga. "Get your ass out here, Albatrash!"
The ship was probably going to start sinking soon, but Xenai was confident that he could take out Albatrash before he went under.
Posted by: Zeros' on Tuesday July 19th, 2005
Zeros' sighed and shook his head at the antics of his allies.
"Amusing..." he said amusedly.
Posted by: Dippy on Tuesday July 19th, 2005
All the piates surround Xenia and aim their guns at him "Now if you would be so kind as to leave my ship so I dont have to get the deck swabers to clean your blood and guts off the new flooring I had installed" Albatrash said wile taking out an anti-magic bomb.
A few workers patch the hole in the upper side of the ship where no water could get in anyway.( I took the liberty of notting where the hole was as you did not <img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tongue.gif' /> )
// I am making a retreat so will you just stop some how chasing down a rocket powered ship and let me?!? \\
Posted by: Dude Man on Tuesday July 19th, 2005
"Yes, quite amusing..." Marshal sighed.
"Allright boys!" Rink yelled "We don't have anytime for chaceing. Let's get a move on!"
Posted by: Haraldur on Tuesday July 19th, 2005
The tesla coil stops frying the ground around it, and returns to Tesla's hands. As the coil gets closer to him, Tesla notices the throbbing of the locket getting more and more powerful and frequent.
He places the coil down again, and turns it on, causing the sparks to only hit the ground. He takes the locket off from around his neck, and notices it is faintly glowing, and the glow becomes more intense the closer it is to the coil.
He puts the locket above the coil, so all the sparks enter it. It glows at a huge intensity and, slowly a glow in the air forms, shaping itself to the rough shape of a human, with it getting more detailed as he lowered it closer to the the coil itself (and so less of the energy is lost to resistance from the air.
He stops, and put the locket around his neck again, and picks up and turns off the tesla coil. He then flies away from the rest of the group without explanation.
Posted by: Xorlak on Tuesday July 19th, 2005
"Hehehehehe..."
The small figure weaved though the shadows of the crates.
"Hsss... Who am I? What am I? Who are you? What are you? Who are they? What are they? ... In deathh all are the ssame... the ssame... the ssame!!"
He disappeared from Duilin's view behind one of the larger crates as a few more of the fallen pirates began to groan and rise...
----
Ven arrived at the opposite side of the town and exited the open gates at a jogging pace. The forest around this area was fairly thick, but mostly sparse pine trees, so the morning sun illuminated the area well.
Mavas was some 300 feet straight ahead, halfway up one of the tower trees, his feet resting on one of branches, his back against the trunk, and his arms folded...
"Now now, you don't look like you're having a good time..."
Ven slowed his pace as he approached the dark man in the tree.
"Where... where are you leading me?!"
"Heh heh... now what did I tell you about trusting strange men? There's only one person you can trust in this world, you know..."
Ven's eyes widened as he came to a stop some 100 feet from the tree, his blade poised at his side.
"So... you have memories from before..."
"Heh heh heh..."
"What? What's so funny?"
"Heh heh HA HA HA HA HA!!!"
Mavas threw his head up in laughter. Ven clenched his teeth.
"I can't take this ANYMORE!"
Ven brought the silver blade above his head as it flashed a brilliant white, bringing it down as sliver wave of energy shot from it. The crescent tore through the air and split the tree at the trunk, which began to creak over like cleanly cut lumber.
But Ven took his eyes off of Mavas as he performed the attack, who had since disappeared from sight...
Posted by: Zeros' on Tuesday July 19th, 2005
Zeros' noticed the approaching undead pirates and sighed. He held out his right hand, palm facing away from him. His hand seemed to twitch before he slammed his hand faster then anyone could see, bar demons and very powerful humans (Draven...).
From where his hand slammed, the ground rippled outwards from the spot and formed a crater a few feet deep and wide with a spiderweb of cracks forming outwards from the crater.
With the ripples, came a white light. As soon as the white light hit the undead pirates, they moaned loud (in pain, not like that you perverts...) and collapsed into small piles of blackened ash.
But, as the ripple of power continued outwards, the buildings started to rumble and shake, pieces of the roof coming falling down to the ground, but, marciously, the builds stayed standing.
"Now," said Zeros', his eyes closed. "Come out and fight. Stop hiding behind your undead minions, or, is that all you can do?" he said mockingly.
Posted by: Dude Man on Wednesday July 20th, 2005
Duilin, turned around "Show, yourself." He tossed his fireball at one of the crates.
Rink narrowed his eyes "Marshal, you have any idea who this guy is?"
"No, I don't belive so..." Marshal replied. He rubbed his chin. "A necromancer, you don't see very many of those."
Posted by: Xorlak on Wednesday July 20th, 2005
The crate exploded, spreading flame to several of the surrounding boxes.
"Hehehehe... Very good! Very good!"
The shadow danced around, avoiding the flames, before being forced to leap away from their protection, landing in plain sight near the edge of the pier.
He stood at about four feet tall, draped in dirty gray hooded cloak. He leaned heavily on a short staff, made of some type of heavy oak. His face was completely shrouded in the darkness of the hood, save two white slits for eyes. He cowered at the morning sun, binging up his arm to hide his face.
"Hssss, later we shall resume. Yesss..."
The figure leapt backwards (more of a unnatural diagonal levitation) as a red sphere circled him. He fell into the sea and disappeared under the waves...
----
Ven held his position (blade in front to the ground) as the tree crashed before him, his eyes shifting back and forth...
"Hah hah hah haahh..."
The laughter echoed though the forest. Directly behind the mangled tree there was a straight path. Trees lined each side, merging towards the center as far as the eye could see... Obviously the laugh emanated from that direction.
Ven released the blade from the grasp of his left hand and let it hang lose on his right side. He began to slowly walk into the unknown, the pine needle ground softening his steps...
Posted by: Zeros' on Wednesday July 20th, 2005
Zeros relaxed his stance some and looked around. It seemed as if the remaining villagers sensed the danger was done and started to cautiously peek out at the strange group of adventurues. Some of them looked admiringly at everyone of the edenturures, but more then half tried to glare Zeros', Duilin and Rink to death. Zeros' was unaffected by all of this, used to it many times in his travels.
He had noticed Tesla's coils fire off in the random direction, but he ignored it for the more...immediate threat.
"We can assume that wasn't an attack by Draven, at least the strange man. For one, he wouldn't send someone else to attack us. Even if he did, which I highly doubt, he'd have them attack us first," said Zeros' to his companions, then his last sentence to Duilin.
He had no doubt that the Crimson Empire Tax collecters were not here on one of their random visits... more like a ruse to lure himself and the ones he hadn't killed before...
"We can only hope that Draven doesn't drag this out long..." he murmurred mostly to himself, his arms crossed and eyes closed again... he had been thinking about it for awhile now, ever since before he came back. He hoped this grudge between him, Draven and Duilin would be done soon.
He just hoped their battle (the battled between Draven's force and the heros') didn't tear the earth from it's foundation like the events five years ago...
Posted by: Dude Man on Wednesday July 20th, 2005
"Yes, he would." Duilin said to Zeros', walking to his position. "The one, pirate. With the shotgun. I overherd him call it 'Veronika', strange." He said, scratching his head "Probabbly nothing."
Rink, swiped the dirt of his shoulders, and turned his head and looked at the villagers "What the hell are you looking at!?" He said agresively, and a few looked away from him. He rotated his shoulders and cracked his knuckles and walked to Duilin and Zeros' position.
"Um, Zeros' is it?" Marshal said "I recall seeing Ven, heading towards the other side of the town."
Posted by: Haraldur on Wednesday July 20th, 2005
Tesla arrives at what he judges to be a reasonably isolated spot.
He places the tesla coil down, and turns it on. He then directly put the locket on top of it.
The locket glows, and disappears. The figure of a man forms within a bright light. Around him are ten other smaller men, with sparks connecting the centre one to the out ones, like on Tesla's tatoo.
The figure solidifies, accompanied by a bright flash.
"Hello, Nikola."
"Hello Haraldur."
"We should rid ourselves of our tiresome prophet."
"As you wish."
_____________________________________________________
Standing behind Zeros', The Great Prophet has just seen a premonition of his own death. He shouts, "The Aspyes are going to kill me!" before becoming mute again.
Posted by: Aminaga on Wednesday July 20th, 2005
Aminaga used his powers to disappear, and while he was invisible, he walked away from the others, and began to try to find Ven, and follow him toward wherever he was off too.
He then spotted Ven, and then, Aminaga remained invisible, and continued to follow Ven...
Posted by: Trent on Wednesday July 20th, 2005
"You are all in way over your head." Xenai snickered, and swung his blade in a complete circle, taking out the pirates around him. He then pointed the sword at Albatrash. "You're next."
--- --- ---
He walked directly behind Aminaga now, locked onto his ki signature, not bothering to cloak, yet concealing his energy signature.
Posted by: Zeros' on Thursday July 21st, 2005
Zeros' whirled around suddenly and glared in a, seemingly random direction.
"WHO are they Prophet..." he aksed quietly, his voice barely concealed with contempt. That wasn't just a random spike of power... it was farmiliar...
"Did you feel that Duilin," he asked quietly again.
Posted by: Dude Man on Thursday July 21st, 2005
"Yes, I felt something." Duilin replied "What was it?"
"Felt what?" Marshal asked
"Seriously man, don't trouble yourself in trying to understand, all that." Rink said to Marshal, laughing.
"Hmmm..."
Posted by: Haraldur on Thursday July 21st, 2005
The Great Prophet looked annoyed. "How am I supposed to know? The premonition was not detailed, I have told you all it told me. My only guess would be that that picture I showed you has something to do with them. Now, if that is the case, then-"
He dropped to the ground, his head missing, his neck a burning stump, he had been hit by some super hot plasma. The head had burned away completely. He was obviously very very dead.
The attacker was nowhere to be seen.
_____________________________________________________________
Tesla smiled as he saw the bolt of plasma hit the prophet. He returned to where Haraldur was. Haraldur turned, and said, "Where is everyone else?"
Tesla replied, "The new Crimson Empire discovered them imprisoned by the Dark Empire, and have kept them there. Probably for the same reasons too."
"We should pay them a visit," said Haraldur.
They rose up, and flew towards the Crimson Empire. This meant they flew above Zeros' and the others. Grinning, Haraldur made some hand movements, causing a picture to appear in the air, hugely bright, with light coming from it. It showed one man surrounded by ten other identical men, with sparks connecting them, and below was an arrow pointing towards the Crimson Empire, and one word: "Follow."
Haraldur chuckled to himself, wondering what Zeros' reaction would be.
Posted by: Xorlak on Thursday July 21st, 2005
Ven continued through the forest. The trees were becoming more dense, resulting in less and less penetrating daylight. He paused for a moment, thinking himself followed... but it was nothing...
After a good twenty minutes, he noticed large vine-covered slabs of stone appear randomly on either side of the path as he progressed. These became more and more common as he progressed. It was evident that he was in the middle of some ruins of some sort. The path was noticeably more treacherous as well, with undergrowth spilling on to it, fallen trees to leap over, and the like.
At the very end of the path was what looked like the ruins of a temple, the foundation at least. It looked to be a rather tall structure at one time judging by the size of what was left, although now it was little more than a pile of rubble. Ven weaved in between the large stone slabs in his way as he progressed closer to the mysterious site...
Posted by: Dude Man on Thursday July 21st, 2005
Duilin's jaw dropped "He's...dead..."
"Holy crap." Rink gasped
"My friend's look." Marshal said as he pointed to the two men flying above, and the symbol appearing in the air.
"That symbol." Duilin said "That's the one The Prophet showed us."
"It says follow." Rink noticed "Should we?"
"No." Duilin said "The Prophet told us, that we are not to trust ones, with that symbol. So I don't think it would be smart to follow them."
"I wasn't able to see who they were. Who were those people who flue over us?" Marshal asked
Posted by: Zeros' on Thursday July 21st, 2005
Zeros' narrowed his eyes and controled his growing rage. It wouldn't do to lose his temper now. He looked up at the symbol and focused his eyes on the main figure. Now he was sure of it...
"So... you want to play game do you, Haraldur?" he whispered the last word in an almost unaudiable whisper. Then, suddenly, his hair shifted from a shining silver to a flowing white. His wings went from midnight black to white with gold outlines and his emerald eyes turned even brighter.
He raised his hand faster then anyone could see, causing a sonic boom to reverberate around the area they were in. Zero's trench coat billow out in all directions. The grass flatened as the wind came over it and dust rose into the air.
His palm pointed towards the glowing symbol and it dispelled itself. He also raised his other arm, his left arm, in a seemingly random direction and a ball of pure white ki shot out in the direction, going faster then the eye could track. The direction was also the direction pointed out by the mysterious symbol, right towards Haraldur.
Right after the ball of ki flew in that direction, Zeros' spread his massive white wings and flapped them, rising into the air and flying in the direction the symbol pointed.
Come. We must go. Haraldur will be going in that direction, which is, no doubt something important to him. We have to stop him. He said telepathically to his companions.
Posted by: Dippy on Thursday July 21st, 2005
Albatrash smiles "I like your spirit so I wont kill y- ha i almost got that bull out...." He raises his gun and so do all the remaining pirates(who are farther than the length of the sword so he dosn't try that sneaky sword spin trick)
Albatrash then trows an anti magic bomb.
Posted by: Dude Man on Thursday July 21st, 2005
"Damnit I guess I was right about that symbol being about Haraldur. God I hate that." Duilin groaned. "Allright Rink, you herd him let's go." Rink grabed onto his leg. Duilin flapped his wings and jumped into the air, and hovered for a second. "Marshal, do you wish to come along?"
"What about Ven?" Marshal replied
"Aminaga, can take care of that. Besides, maybe there is a connection between the two." Duilin responed "There's allways, a connection..." He sighed under his breath.
"Very well. I supose this will aid in my studies." Marshal then rose his staff and summond another giant Albatrash, he hoped onto it's back and it flapped it's wing and flue into the air. They group then flue off following the direction the symbol pointed.
Posted by: Trent on Friday July 22nd, 2005
Xenai bats the anti-magic bomb back into the sea with his huge sword. He then charges up Omni...
Posted by: Xorlak on Friday July 22nd, 2005
The tension in the air was heavy. Ven moved much more cautiously though the giant stone slabs and thick vines. A twig cracked behind him and he spun around... nothing... He remained in that position, blade outstretched, listening...
At that moment, the huge monolith to his right, once part of a great wall, began to creak, falling directly towards him. He leapt forward out of its path as it came crashing down, only to find himself in the path of a second, even larger falling stone. He leapt backward, landing on top of the first.
His silver blade came crashing down on the head of the unnoticeable shadow at the base of the toppled stone... at least it was there a second ago...
"Heh heh heh..."
Posted by: Haraldur on Friday July 22nd, 2005
Haraldur smiled as he dodges the ki ball flying in their direction. Good, he is doing as I expected. Why does he think of me so? Meh, no time for soul searching presently.
The picked up pace, and eventually arrived at the Crimson Capital, outside the main gates. Haraldur conjure up a large ball of water, around the size of a bus, and chucked it within the city walls, to capture the guards' attention.
When he could see he was being warily watched by those same guards, he yelled, "I request an audience with Lord Draven. If my request is not fulfilled, then I will have to have a less cordial audience with him, and your lives will be forfeit. Go!"
A guard captain sent a messenger towards the Imperial Palace, in order to carry the message.
While waiting for an answer, Haraldur watches with interest as Tesla has target practice shooting the dire animals in a nearby wood.
Posted by: Xorlak on Saturday July 23rd, 2005
Ven lifted his blade from the stone. The silver sword was unscaved, but the stone now bore a gash. He glanced around, spotting an opening in the rubble of the temple with stone steps leading down into the darkness.
Ignoring the obvious threat of a trap, he began to descend the stairs, blade in hand...
(So, are people following him, or what? Heh...)
----
(*Sigh* Must we involve Draven already?)
The mammoth gates opened slightly-- just enough for several men to walk through. The torches along the walls burned brightly with an bright orange everlasting flame. These were part of a spell that protected the city from aerial attacks. Still the guards and the red wyverns perched at the wall tops eyed the bear skinned visitor irritatingly. Obviously the wise guy who likes to throw water attacks over their walls wants to be killed...
The lead figure exiting the gates was dressed in fine black armor with a bright red cape... it was not Draven, but a man who walked tall and was obviously trying to look important. Six guards followed the man, two on each side. They resembled the soldiers of the old Dark Empire almost exactly, except the crimson dragon insignia was no longer a red outline, but a solid color, and a diagonal sword outlined behind the beast for effect.
The group stopped in front of Haraldur and Telsa, the guards in back moving out to the side so that in case their leader gave the word, they could more easily surround the intruders.
"Sir, firstly, Lord Draven is out on business at the moment. Secondly, he is a busy man and does not have the time to grant audiences to commoners. If you would leave you message with me, I will pass it on to him upon his return..."
Posted by: Aminaga on Saturday July 23rd, 2005
"Hello!" Aminaga shouted to Ven as he turned visable again.
Just then, Aminaga hoped he haden't said that. He had begun to feel a dangerous presence. "Ven, we should turn back." said Aminaga. "We can catch Mavas later. For all we know, the others could be in grave danger..."
Posted by: Haraldur on Saturday July 23rd, 2005
//No, not necessarily, I am just doing this for a couple of reasons. First, the relationship between Draven and Haraldur I believe needs to be fleshed out a bit. Second, I want to establish the Crimson Capital as setting with a sense of place, as a location in the RP. Thirdly, it is part of my explanation of "Aspyes" and the relationship between Haraldur and Tesla, and the tatoo. Fourthly, in reference to number three, there are some NPCs I want to introduce, some of which may become PCs. Fifthly, to start elaborating what Haraldur, The Rebel of the Aspyes, and the Aspyes are rebelling against. So, I do have some reasons. After all, this is a very good story-telling medium.//
"Ah, good, an underling," said Haraldur, smiling as he saw the party approach.
"I expected him to be out, after all, he has an empire to run," Haraldur said as he smiled sardonically. "However, I advise you not to refer to me or my associates as commoners, as it is innacurate. To be called a commoner implies being common, while we are quite rare.
"I have a request. I request that you release all your prisoners who have this tatoo on their arms," he said, as Tesla rolled up his sleeve, showing the men his tatoo. "My reasons are my own," he said, as Tesla covered the tatoo up again, "but it should be sufficient that I request this. If you do not have the authority to do this, or you would prefer to consult your master, then send a message to Lord Draven sending Lord Haraldur's best regards and that Lord Retan would be proud etc. etc. and that Lord Haraldur requests that his old comrade in arms would grant him an audience in reference to some prisoners Lord Haraldur would like released."
Haraldur bowed, and for an instant, a line of red was seen on the edges of his black clothes, resembling that of a Dark Empire High General, before disappearing again.
Posted by: Zeros' on Saturday July 23rd, 2005
Zeros' suddenly flapped his wings and stopped right in mid-air, his white, feathery wings extended to their full length.
He cursed under his breath and turned to his companions.
"Haradlur's aura signature disappeared," he said to his companions.
Posted by: Trent on Sunday July 24th, 2005
Zion tried to feel any dark presences... But he had been passively following Aminaga the entire time, and was half unconscious in doing so. ((Focused on fighting Albatrash.))
((By the way, if Dippy doesn't post soon, can I kill his charrie? <img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tongue.gif' /> Ah, feh. *Casts Omni anyways.*))
--- --- ---
"Foolish pirate... Feel my true potential!!!"
"Consume all, flash of death!!!"
Instead of a gravitational force that pushed in, an extremely powerful non-elemental surge of energy pushed out from him in all directions, breaking the ship into many small pieces. It was obviously strong enough to do lots of damage to a human.
Posted by: Dude Man on Sunday July 24th, 2005
//Dude, you should have gave him another day. Now he's going to be pissed. I kept telling him, non magical characters don't last, but he didn't listen.//
"His aura dissappeared. I forget, what dose that mean?" Duilin asked
"Haraldur...I've herd that name before..." Marshal said under his breath
Posted by: Xorlak on Sunday July 24th, 2005
Ven stopped mid-step and looked back, seeing that Aminaga was following.
"You again, huh... Listen, this is something I have to do. If you think your friends are in danger, by all means go and help them. Personally, I wouldn't worry about them... with that hybrid and all..."
He turned and continued down the steps, deeper into the darkness...
At that instant, the shadow with the red core was directly behind Aminaga... Mavas clutched the glowing red pendant around his neck with his right hand, and outstretched his left, which now glowed with the fury of the pendant.
"You're mine!!!"
Mavas lunged at Aminaga, aiming to grasp his neck with the glowing red hand...
----
(Heh, okay, points taken.)
The officer and the guard to his right began whispering, and after a moment's deliberation, the crimson caped man turned to Haraldur again.
"Sir, we do not keep track of tattoos on our prisoners, and it is rare that we release them, let alone keep them alive for more than a few months. However, we will give Lord Draven your message upon his arrival."
He hesitated for a moment, knowing he could get in trouble if he gave too much information, especially if this guy isn't who he says he is.
"Lord Draven is on business at the southern fortresses near the border. You could try seeking him there, but he is due back soon and is likely returning aboard his personal airship, The Raiken, at this moment. You may be better off waiting for him here. You'll know when the ship comes..."
He bowed slightly.
"Good day."
He turned, and the guards followed him back towards the gates.
Posted by: Trent on Sunday July 24th, 2005
((Sorry about that, DM. But I was getting kinda impatient.))
Zion's full consciousness returned. He pulled out Eternity Weapon, and dashed in toward Mavas, slashing at him before he could get to Aminaga.
((If there is any reason that Zion's following Aminaga could get halted, please do tell me. <img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/happy.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='happy.gif' />))
Posted by: Aminaga on Sunday July 24th, 2005
((lol Why? Is there a reason you're always following Aminaga? =p))
"There you are, you cowardly bastard!" shoted Aminaga in rage. Aminaga, with all his might attacked Mavas, and prepared to engage him in combat! "I'm going to kill you for what you've done!" Just then, Aminaga stabbed Mavas straight in the stomach with his Blade of Champion, and then stood up, and said. "There you go. How does that feel?"
Posted by: Dude Man on Sunday July 24th, 2005
//Allright, well Dippy's been POed as I assumed, so looks like Xenia earned his pay.//
Posted by: Xorlak on Sunday July 24th, 2005
(Aminaga: When you throw an attack, the recipient of the attack decides weather or not to get hit by it or not.)
Mavas immediately released the pendant from his grasp and unsheathed the sword upon his back. He brought the jagged blade to a rest just behind his head, Zion's blade clanging against the steel a mere half second later.
At the same time he took one step backwards as Aminaga's sword scarred the black armor protecting his stomach.
"Not bad."
He spun around, Mavas and Zion's blades scraping together before he pushed them apart. Nearly backing into Aminaga, he thrust his blade into the ground before him.
"HYAAAHHH!!!"
The dirt rippled in a three foot radius around the sword's entry point. A crimson circle appeared around the man before exploding in flame. It was an explosion spell, meant more to force the two warriors off him more than damage them.
----
The black ship parted the clouds as it sailed through the air...
A figure stepped to the large window, which gave a magnificent view of the passing clouds and the mountains below, folding his hands behind his heavy cape.
"M...my lord?"
"... He's back..."
Posted by: Trent on Sunday July 24th, 2005
Zion is flung back from the explosion. "What the crap?" He looks Mavas over very carefully.
Posted by: Zeros' on Monday July 25th, 2005
Zeros' turned to Duilin.
"It means, he's hiding is aura from our senses, making us impossible to sense where he is," he said. He then reached out again, spreading his senses wide. He felt Tesla's aura, though, where Haraldur's had disappeared. It was possible... but highly unlikely...
"What have you heard about Haraldur, Marashal?" he asked.
Posted by: Haraldur on Monday July 25th, 2005
Haraldur nodded. He turned to Tesla and said: "I do not want to be followed. Go to the south a few miles and shut your aura off like I trained you to. Then find the flying ship, turn on your aura, then turn it off again, and return here."
Tesla nodded and did so, while Haraldur slept using the air as a bed.
Posted by: Dude Man on Monday July 25th, 2005
"Well..." Marshal began "Us members of the Blue Minotaur, are seekers of legends and great phemonia. I have been told by my supeiors that, a mysterious man known as Haraldur was powerful being who nearly destroied the world because of atempting to complete his vengance. I'm not sure how my supierors found this out."
"Have you ever asked them" Duilin asked
"Yes, I did, but they say I wouldn't understand, or that my knowledge of the art of summoning and seeking of legends is to small." Marshal replied
"What if your part of a group how come you went off with us?" Rink asked
"Well, partly because of this. I suspect you people had something to do with near end of the world, and you are as what some people say 'The Creaters Of Legends'. You can't really expect to be flying around and defeating dragons and armys of zombies and not get noticed whould you?" Marshal explained "So anyways, If I stay with you, I will be able to obtain as much detail of this adventure, for I belive the Blue Minotaur will be very pleased to see that I have gained such information and have helped 'build a legend'..."
"Allright, good to have you with us then..." Duilin said, he then turned to Zeros' "Now, what could Haraldur's plan be this time. His vengance is complete, so what the devil, dose he need to do now?"
Posted by: Xorlak on Monday July 25th, 2005
Mavas took a leap backwards, so that now he Zion and Aminaga were the points of a triangle. He turned to Zion, staring him straight in the eyes... a ring of darkness seemed to engulf the two warriors... but just for a brief instant...
"Heh heh heh, splendid! I'm sure you'll enjoy this one..."
He brought his sword to his side and clenched his fist, charging some sort of spell...
----
Ven turned to dash back up the stairs when he heard the noise, but it was too late...
The cave opening collapsed above him, closing him off from the outside battle. He jabbed his sword at the obstructing boulders.
"Bl--blast it!!"
----
The main control room bustled with activity, officers and more common soldiers attending to various tasks...
"My lord, someone approaches..."
Draven glanced at the small crystal ball like orb in the center of the room, which displayed an unfamiliar character...
One of the more important looking officers ventured,
"Shall we--"
Draven lifted his right hand.
"Let him come. Let's see what he's up to..."
Posted by: Dude Man on Monday July 25th, 2005
Behind the walls of the Crimpson Empire castle stood a man in white hair and a black robe. He had a large black bladed sword holsted onto his back. He wandered around untill he spotted the officer and the guards returned. As they walked passed. He sprinted towards them. "Who was out there?" He asked
"Some strange flying men." One of the guards replied "They wanted to see Draven."
"Oh...Allright." He replied and walked off. "I sence his blood, he has returned. He is no longer a child, he has become more powerfull...that is good. Master your death shall no be in vain. It was but a step to our victory..."
He then walked over to the gates. "Yet aid may be helpfull..."
Posted by: Trent on Monday July 25th, 2005
Hm... What could this be? Instead of rushing in to try and stop it, he sheathed Eternity Weapon and concentrated upon his aura. A magical barrier, moderate in strength, formed around his body and all of his appendages.
--- --- ---
Xenai dropped an unconscious Albatrash on the desk of his client.
"You said dead or alive. If he escapes, it's not my problem unless you can find me and pay me."
The man at the desk lifted up Albatrash's unconscious body and took him back to a jail cell of sorts, leaving Xenai's pay on the desk. Xenai took up the pay and left.
Posted by: Haraldur on Monday July 25th, 2005
Tesla arrived South, turnred his aura on and off, and carried on. He arrived at the ship, and did the same. He then returned to Haraldur's side, keeping his aura off, with a little effort.
"I wonder what Draven's reaction will be to all this, when at last he realises our common history," said Haraldur.
Posted by: Zeros' on Tuesday July 26th, 2005
Zeros' turned his emerald gaze to Marshal and back to Duilin.
"I have no doubt his twisted, sadstic soul has some plan cocked up again, and it happens to involve all the... old players," he said, emphasing the old.
Posted by: Aminaga on Tuesday July 26th, 2005
Aminaga, knowing something was wrong, decided to leave Mavas to Ven, and try to go find the others. Eventually, he caught up with the others, and shouted. "Okay, what the f***ing hell is going on!? I heard something happening from here." Aminaga, fearing something bad was about to happen, pulled out his Blade of Champion as always, and prepared for battle...
Posted by: Dude Man on Tuesday July 26th, 2005
//Um Aminaga if you mean by the others as, Rink, Marshal, Zeros' and Duilin. They are several miles away, hovering in the air, spying on the Crimpson Empire. It took us a couple posts to get there and we were flying at great speed.\\
Posted by: Xorlak on Tuesday July 26th, 2005
The crimson gem around his neck pulsated brightly. Mavas' form began to shift slightly, as if a translucent image was appearing over him...
He appeared to Zion as... Zion... an exact clone of himself. Yet Mavas' image was still visible in the translucent impostor, as was the red pendant...
"Consume all, flash of death!!"
A bright flash of light emanated from Mavas' body. The light dimmed, forming a sphere of darkness around Zion. The gravity inside the bubble increased rapidly, soon reaching magnitudes several hundred times the natural level...
The impostor spoke, with a sinister mix of Mavas and Zion's voice:
"Yes... in order to keep your techniques I have to kill you. Which is exactly what I intend to do!"
He slashed the jagged blade and extended his left hand, focusing all his might on increasing the spell's power...
----
Trapped in the cave, Ven finally sheathed his blade. He faced the boulders in his way and brought both fists to his side as a dim aura engulfed his body...
----
The mammoth black airship appeared on the horizon. As the Crimson Capital appeared in the window of the control deck, so did the small specks that were the two visitors, waiting outside the gates.
The ship stopped just outside the city's southern entrance, hovering some 500 feet in the air. A door opened in the bottom and five armored figures floated slowly to the ground...
The four in back were men of various types, all in varying styles of dark armor and capes. The one in front was familiar-- it was Draven.
The group landed in front of Haraldur and Telsa. Draven folded his arms and the entourage copied their leader's posture to their best ability.
"Well, well, what do we have here? Didn't you kill yourself or something?"
Posted by: Aminaga on Tuesday July 26th, 2005
//I did say "Eventually, he caught up with the others." <img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tongue.gif' />//
Posted by: Zeros' on Tuesday July 26th, 2005
//Were also not by the Crimson Emprire... per say. Where we are, Draven isn't able to see us, only sense us.\\
Zeros' narrowed his eyes as he saw the massive airship move towards the Crimson Empire. He felt the farmiliar fiery aura of his nemesis of five years.
He only whispered one word...
"Draven," he whispered.
Posted by: Trent on Tuesday July 26th, 2005
//HAHA! You're using Omni! Freaking awesome! >D Oh, wait. That's bad for me. o_o;
Zion could feel the extreme pressure of his own spell coming in on him. He charged up his own Omni, looking at Mavas intently, trying to withstand the force long enough to push against it.
Posted by: Dude Man on Wednesday July 27th, 2005
//Dude, that dosen't matter, you can't just sort of magically appear here in one post. Besides, Aminaga would have no clue were they went, he never saw them leave. And why would he abbandon Zion and Ven?\\
Duilin, glared at Draven from above.
"Duilin, don't get to angry. If you get angry, your blood rage will become to strong and Draven might be able to detect you." Rink warned
"Of course it's just. It's all his fault I was enslaved..." Duilin replied
Marshal's Albatrash bird lowered down, and pearched onto a near by tree. Marshal looked up at Zeros'. "So, this Draven is the leader of the Crimpson Empire. Perhaps Haraldur wants to create an allience with the empire, so he can have an army." He pondered
"God, I sure as hell hope not. I trusted Haraldur..." Duilin sighed
Posted by: Trent on Wednesday July 27th, 2005
"Consume all, flash of death!"
He had to expend more energy to alter the spell, to cause it to push out, rather than push in, against the spell that Mavas casted. It was now a battle of Omnis.
Posted by: Aminaga on Wednesday July 27th, 2005
//Why? Because I need to find out all the facts for my game. =p//
"Okay, I have a bad feeling that whoever's in charge of the Crimson Empire's here. And whoever it is, show yourself, and explain everything!" shouted Aminaga in rage.
"Yessss...." said the voice that had always haunted Aminaga...
Posted by: Xorlak on Wednesday July 27th, 2005
"Nyagh!"
The retort spell caused Zion-Mavas to take a step back, though he wasn't that close to Zion, and his own spell faltered.
"Fool! I shall improve upon your pathetic weakness!!"
Keeping his left hand outstretched and focused on keeping his Omni from shattering, he jammed his blade into the ground so that he would have two free hands.
He cupped his hands in front of him, so that from his perspective it looked like he was crushing Zion with his own hands (as you can shut one eye and cover a full moon with your thumb)...
As the strength of his Omni multiplied, the ground around Zion flew up in small chunks in disintegrated, creating a crater under the warrior, who was now suspended in mid air, caught in the effects of two conflicting gravity spells...
"Die! Die!! DIE!!!"
----
(Aminaga, make sure you read every post and understand what is going on. The way I take it, you just gave Zeros' and co.'s position to Haraldur and Draven. Also, next time it should take several posts to get from one place to another.)
Draven's eyes shifted to the right. As he finished his remark, a noise emanated from deep within the forest. Someone yelling or something...
He turned his head and glanced at the dark warrior at his far right. The man nodded, understanding the gesture completely.
A yellow aura engulfed the bodyguard, bolts of crackling electricity dancing about his body. He took off, riding the wind with his feet an inch above the ground at a good 40 miles per hour, straight at the source of the noise. This was obviously an Air Mage. His black hair was extremely tall and spiky, and his black armor was intricately decorated with yellow crests and such. As the wind riding warrior neared the edge of the forest, he removed a small metalic pipe-like object from his belt and held it firmly in his right hand...
Draven returned his attention to Haraldur.
(Now if you kill or loose this guy quietly, you may not get noticed!)
Posted by: Haraldur on Wednesday July 27th, 2005
"I am not the first person to come back from the dead Draven, or at least to seem to. You should know. Did you receive my message?" Haraldur looks quite at ease.
Tesla looks in the direction of the sound, in want of anything to do.
Posted by: Trent on Wednesday July 27th, 2005
"I... refuse... TO DIE!!!" A surge of energy, and he would continue to push out against Mavas's Omni. His eyes blanked out, his muscles seemed to be bulging a little bit. This showed just how hard he was pushing, and while his body had a chance to recover, his spirit was working its butt off. His magical capacity is amazing! I can't believe how strong he is...
--- --- ---
Xenai could feel a spike of energy off in the distance, recognizing two copies of the spell he was so familliar with. "What the hell have you gotten yourself into now?" Xenai ejected his black wings once more and took off in that direction.
Posted by: Zeros' on Wednesday July 27th, 2005
Zeros' pursed his lips and held one finger over them in a Shh motion.
"Be quiet. I'll handle this guy," he said and whispered something under his breath. "Umi-Sen Ken," he whispered. His form shimmered once and completely disappeared from view, using the Thousand Sea's technique to fold his aura around himself, making him almost impossible to detect and also hiding him from sight.
In the cloak of the Umi-Sen Ken, Zeros' folded his wings in on his body. Then, he used pure ki to make himself float silently towards the Air Mage. He saw him holding the small, pipe-like object in his hand and nodded to himself. Then, he snuck up upon the Air Mage from behind and extended his right pointer finger. He coated his finger in a white, holy ki.
Quickly, he jabbed towards a point near the base of his neck, right where the spine and neck joined. An instant unconcious pressure point...
Posted by: Dude Man on Thursday July 28th, 2005
//Aminaga, you don't have to have your character here in order to know what is happening here. You can read the posts of other people's actions. I don't see the point for Aminaga to be here, unless he's here to get more help to fight Mavas <img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif' /> //
"Aminaga, you fool." Duilin wispered in an annoyed tone. "Shut the hell up, and don't yell."
Marshal watched in amazement as Zeros' becomes invisble and knocks out the Air Mage. "Zeros', you should put him in a safer place..." He said quietly
----
Valos, walked up onto the walls of the Crimpson Empire fortress. He looked down at Draven and Harladur. "What do we have here?" He said to himself.
Posted by: Xorlak on Thursday July 28th, 2005
"Arrrgh!!"
Mavas was loosing his death grip. The sphere around Zion grew larger (due to the forces pushing it apart).
"Noooo!!!"
Further and further it slipped-- until his Omni broke. The opposing gravity burst forth from Zion in all directions, slamming Mavas backwards through two trees, which promptly split in half, and into a thick patch of bushes.
----
Sensing a sense of urgency outside, Ven poured all of the energy of his spell into his right fist.
"HYAAA!!!!"
The collapsed boulders shattered under his punch and he could see daylight... He began to crawl through the rubble.
----
The elite bodyguard slowed down upon approaching the area where the noise came from and began walking. He stopped, looking behind him, but at that moment a light tap to his neck rendered him unconscious and he collapsed.
----
"Hmph..."
Draven scowled slightly, but then looked a bit more interested.
"Message, huh? I've received nothing. Just flew in, you see..."
His eyes shifted up at the giant heavily armed battleship hovering above them.
"But, of course, I'm listening..."
Posted by: Haraldur on Thursday July 28th, 2005
"Indeed, but I was assured you would receive my message once you had arrived. No matter, I will recite what I told the messenger earlier: If you do not have the authority to do this, or you would prefer to consult your master, then send a message to Lord Draven sending Lord Haraldur's best regards and that Lord Retan would be proud etc. etc. and that Lord Haraldur requests that his old comrade in arms would grant him an audience in reference to some prisoners Lord Haraldur would like released." Haraldur smiled, eidetic memory was useful.
"Now of course, you will need to have a good memory to understand half of the message, but the important part I am sure you can understand, comrade."
Posted by: Zeros' on Thursday July 28th, 2005
Zeros' became visible again, but still masked his presence. He ghosted down below the airmage and caught him in his arms. He slung the body over his shoulder and spread his wings, this time, and flew down towards the spot where the rest of the group was.
"What should we do with this mage?" he whispered, motioning to the unconcious airmage slung over his shoulder.
Posted by: Aminaga on Thursday July 28th, 2005
Aminaga tried to respond, but the darkness withen him started to cause sudden pain, and withen only a few seconds, just then, he vanished, vanished into thin air...
//This means I'll be out of town for a while, meaning I won't be able to respond. Sorry, I have no choice...//
Posted by: Dude Man on Thursday July 28th, 2005
"Quite curious..." Marshal said. "Well, I'm sure he'll be alright."
Duilin, narrowed his eyes, and then turned to Zeros'. "Well, we could toss him somewhere, yet then, he might wake up and report what he saw, or we could kill him, yet then that would set the empire into alert, if they found the body, unless we vaporize the body."
"I say, we just toss him somewhere, I'm sure if he gets good knock on the head he'll get amnesia." Rink chuckled.
"That probabilities of that are quite low, my little red friend." Marshal replied.
"Ah, even if he dose blab about us, it won't matter. I was able to fight of an entire army plus two golems, so I'm used to having empires wishing my death." Duilin said
Posted by: Mark of the Dragon on Thursday July 28th, 2005
As he stood in the courtyard, totally illuminated by the moonlight, and soaked in his own sweat, Isaloer practiced his sacred martial art's final form repeatedly. Every step, he exhaled softly, but the techniques themselves created a mighty gust in the winds. For hours, Isaloer would train every night, perfecting his already perfect form, whilst trying not to wake the head priest and his fellow apprentice clerics, for had they known he knew this art, he would not only be expelled from the temple, but put to death.
When his form came to an end, a soft but stern voice spoke from the shadows.
"Your talent is out of the ordinary. However, as a cleric, you are forbidden to follow such barbaric practices." It was Galen, the head priest himself. His garb was of pure ruby-red silk, glistening in the winds. "It is not unknown to me that you are the only master of this art...I have read that journal you kept under your pillow, and I have seen you practice your art in the dead of the night."
Isaloer glared at the elderly priest, a flicker of hate in his eyes. "You call yourself a priest, but you read an individual's private journal as if it were open to the public?" He turned away and began to head into his quarters. He stopped just before he arrived at the main door, and turned to the priest. "How am I to be punished for practicing my family's art?"
The old man smiled calmly and walked toward the youth. "Since you are a talented fighter, and an overly skilled cleric, I cannnot end your life. However, since you have broken our rules...I have no choice but ot banish you from this temple. Get your belongings together, and leave."
Isaloer nodded and retrieved his bags, and left the temple, never looking back.
//Sorry for the delay, guys. My computer's been weird about me posting here 0_0;; //
Posted by: Xorlak on Friday July 29th, 2005
(Actually, the forums themselves have been on the fritz for a while.)
Draven raised an eyebrow and the remaining bodyguards glanced at each other.
"Erhm... yes..."
I suppose it's better than him randomly destroying things...
"Prisoners, huh? I don't just give things away... make me an offer and I might give you some consideration..."
Obviously Ragnar is up to something, but what use is a few worthless prisoners? Draven wasn't in the mood for an epic battle outside his capital's gates, anyway...
Posted by: Zeros' on Friday July 29th, 2005
Zeros' threw the mage uncermoniously to the ground.
"We could always interogate him for anwsers about the Crimson Empire," he said, thoughtfully.
Posted by: Haraldur on Friday July 29th, 2005
"Ah, so I see your memory remains damaged. No matter, I am sure it will heal itself in time, comrade. As for what I should offer, I have no idea, so I suggest you think about that. However, I will tell you one thing for free: Zeros' and company are following me, and are likely to be those whose sounds we heard. I thought you might like to know who you sent the scout to. He will not be reporting back. Worst of all, they now know that you know that someone is here. Well, Lord Retan always did say that you acted before thinking."
Posted by: Xorlak on Friday July 29th, 2005
Draven brought his right fist before him, clenching it tightly. Yep, he pressed the right buttons...
"Memory? What in blazes are you babbling about now? Secondly, fly-boy and his merry men are of no concern to me, as are you, you washed up has-been!"
The bodyguards took a good three steps back as a faint crimson aura appeared around the man.
"I'll have none of your games, Ragnar. If you wish to offer further petty critiques or find something of my interest for a reasonable trade, leave your message at the door and I may decide to read it if I have time at the end of the day."
He brought his right hand up in a waving motion, signaling the airship above to continue on. It did so, slowly moving over the city walls.
The aura disappeared from Draven and he promptly walked past Haraldur, giving Telsa a quick glare, towards the gates of the capital, the three elites following.
Posted by: Zeros' on Friday July 29th, 2005
Zeros' felt the faint fiery spike of power, and nodded.
"It seems... Draven has learned how to control that temper of his. No matter... we will deal with him when the time comes," said Zeros'. He picked up the air mage again and slammed him against a tree. The tree groaned against the force, a small impression of the man's body forming in the tree, a small spiderweb of cracks forming outwards.
Zeros' stepped away from the tree and muttered some words under his breath. He waved his hands in the man's general direction. White ropes appeared around the man and tied him secruely around the tree. He stepped forwards and tugged at the experimentally. He nodded, seeing they were secure.
He extended his pointer finger and touched another point on the back of his neck, making the man come out his his unconcious state. Zeros' stepped back from the man and addressed him.
"Hello there. As you may have guessed, you were knocked out by none other then me," said Zeros', extended his wings to their full length before folding them back. He also reverted his transformation back to his half-demon form, his hair turning from white to silver and wings from white to midnight black.
"Now. I want information on the Crimson Empire and I want it now," he said calmly, but one could hear the demand in his voice. "Oh and if you struggle... let's just say there's an unpleasent surprise," he smirked then.
//The surprise is the ropes will pull tighter as he struggles and will become surrounded in fire as long as he struggles. The flames also extended upwards and downwards of a foot each from where the ropes are. Sort of like quicksand, as you keep sinking as long as you struggle.\\
Posted by: Haraldur on Friday July 29th, 2005
"I am afraid I do not have the time, I am almost as impatient as you, Lord Draven."
Haraldur looked towards Tesla and said, "I am afraid it is with deepest regret that we must carry out plan B." Tesla grinned and Haraldur chuckled.
They started slowly flying towards the city walls.
___________________________________________________________
Deep in the silver mines below the Crimson capital, a group of prisoners were having a break in a hollow in a tunnel wall. All were male, and all were bare-chested, and all with a tatoo of one man surrounded by ten other men on their arms. They were each chewing on some hard bread, the stuff they were given everyday. They were waiting, as they always had done, for the signal they had been promised for years.
In the middle of the hollow a glow started slowly to appear, forming into a hologram of the same symbol of eleven men, slowly turning around and around in the darkness. The time had come to carry out the plan they had prepared for for years.
Away, on the other side of the mines, was hidden an explosive charge. It would go off in a few minutes, activated by the signal they had been given. And it would open up a tunnel where the prisoners were, due to the nature of the fault line which created the mines.
The prisoners backed away to the side walls, waiting for the blast...
Posted by: Trent on Friday July 29th, 2005
Zion glared at Mavas after breaking the spell, panting very heavily. He turned and limped away. Xenai arrived at that moment.
"You okay, man?"
"Not really."
Posted by: Haraldur on Saturday July 30th, 2005
Haraldur and Tesla reach the city walls, and sit, near an otherwise quite ordinary stetch of cliff.
BANG!
The half of the city on the opposite side to Tesla and Haraldur had exploded, and been utterly pulverised, bodies flying through the air.
The bit of cliff they were near to had collapsed, revealing a tunnel created where the fault had just moved. Out of it, those tatooed prisoners were rushing. Haraldur and Tesla threw food and water to them.
Then the group of about fifty, including our two heroes, ran into the forest, and hid.
Posted by: Dude Man on Saturday July 30th, 2005
"Holy smokes!" Valos yelled. He climbed back down off the walls, and ran up to Draven and the elites.
"Lord Draven! Lord Draven! I saw them, they went threw the forest!" Valos yelled
------
"Ha ha!" Duilin laughed as he saw the explotion. "Yeah, that's defenatly the same Haraldur."
"He allways has to make a big scean dosen't he." Rink chuckled
"My word, that's going to take an extremly long time to clean up." Marshal sighed
"Zeros', should we follow Haraldur and see what he's up to?" Duilin asked
Posted by: Haraldur on Saturday July 30th, 2005
A severed arm landed on Haraldur's shoulder. He brushed it off. Seeing the emaciated bodies of the former prisoners, Haraldur decided that their safety was paramount.
He opened a hole in the air, and motioned for everyone to get in. Tesla and the prisoners did so, entering Haraldur's dimension, but keeping the hole open. Haraldur took the hole and folded it up, and put in in the pouch on his belt.
The second charge would be going off soon, to give them something to remember him by, the bastards.
He checked his aura was off, and started slowly walking south through the forest, hoping not to be noticed, and that the second blast would be a sufficient distraction.
___________________________________________________________
Meanwhile, above the city, a symbol similar to the one before appeared in the sky, this time pointing south east, and saying again, "Follow".
_____________________________________________________________
After some walking Haraldur turns west and then north west, and carries on walking, being far away from the city. (This would be in a few posts' time).
Posted by: Zeros' on Saturday July 30th, 2005
Zeros' turned his head and surveyed the group for a moment before sighing and turning to Rink.
"Rink," he said, "could you find someway to dispose of the man? I ask this of your because of your... interesting past. It's possible Draven could trace any sign of myself using any of my spell or abilties," he said quietly. He then swivled around and faced the main tied to the tree, his trench coat follow his movements. "It seem that Haraldur has found a way to disrupt our actions, once again," he said, chuckling mirthlessly.
He then glared up at the symbol and waved a hand in it's direction. The symbol disappeared in a shimmer of displaced air.
Then, we swirvled around again to face the southeast, his trench coat billowing behind him. He flapped his two, black angel wings experimently before gently hovering in the air.
And, without turning around, he addressed Marshal," Marshal, I warn you now. Draven is an extremely... violent man. He uses fire as his power. There is also and extremely high chance you might possibly lose your life," he said.
He then, rose into the air and started flapping his wings harder. After a few moment, Zeros' suddenly shot out like a bullet, his arms to his sides and his legs brought inwards towards his body. A sonic boom trailed in his wake. All he looked like to anyone was a blurred black, silver and black blur, his wings working in a blur.
Posted by: Xorlak on Saturday July 30th, 2005
(Haraldur, please DO NOT update three times before I can respond!)
Draven sighed as an explosion rocked part of the capital. He pointed to a group of fleeing men, Haraldur in particular.
"Kill them all."
Auras engulfed the three men behind him, one was dark, one a bright blue, and one green, and they sped off into the air, seemingly flying in random directions.
Draven turned his head to the forest, and grinned his maniacal grin...
"I know, Valos."
It wasn't an aura of flame that surrounded him, but super-heated air. He shot up into the sky.
----
From the darkness they watched the prisoners enter... and Haraldur close the opening on the other side. The prisoners seemed alone...
The scraping of many swords being unsheathed echoed through the small dimension.
"That will be as far as you go."
It was the voice of a low ranking lieutenant in charge of exploring the various mini dimensions the Crimson Empire had recently learned to access. A group of armed soldiers, comparable to the number of escapees, surrounded the men on three sides.
----
"Sir Valos!"
Three soldiers ran up to the officer, two carrying a heavy object.
"We've found this."
The two soldiers behind placed the heavy device on the ground. It fell apart, in four or five pieces.
"The prisoners have somehow been planting bombs. This one was disabled successfully, but we couldn't finish the first one in time..."
----
"That was somewhat impressive..."
Draven's voice echoed from above. He came in from a diagonal direction with great speed and landed some twenty feet behind Haraldur in a crouching position, his cape falling around him and the dirt ground cracking under the intensity of the impact.
He slowly stood up, a blade of searing flame in his right hand pointed diagonally toward the ground.
"I never would have guessed you had people on the inside. Oh, well, I suppose I should have paid more attention to the details..."
He turned the sword of flame in an arc until it was perpendicular to the sky, bringing it infront of his face. The sword seemed to scorch the very air...
"Oh yes, I've decided what I want in return... your head..."
----
"What the--? ARRRGHHH!!!"
The air mage struggled against the ropes, and found them to be burning him. It took him about three tries to figure out that wasn't a good idea...
By this time Zeros' had left and he scowled at Duilin and the others.
"Errgh!! What do you want?!"
His eyes darted around, and he spotted the small metallic tube that he was carrying, on the ground in the same spot he dropped it when he was knocked unconscious... no one had seen it...
----
Finally free, Ven rushed out of the cave, running at full speed toward Zion and Xenai.
"What happened?!"
"Heh heh heh..."
Mavas slowly worked his way out of the thick foliage, the red gem around his neck beating steadily. A large branch was stuck to his armor, and he dragged it along as he steadily walked towards the trio.
"Heh heh hah hah hahh....."
Posted by: Trent on Saturday July 30th, 2005
Zion looked to Ven. "Mavas tried to copy my best spell... And he did a dang good job of it, too!" He could see Mavas rising out of the corner of his eyes. He alerted Xenai and Ven to his presence immediately. "Look who's getting back up."
Xenai looked the guy over. "This the guy you were struggling against? The reason there were two Omnis being casted?"
Posted by: Haraldur on Saturday July 30th, 2005
//Sorry. I got ahead of myself.//
Tesla saw the soldiers, and bared his teeth. He tugged at the hole. There was a ripping sound.
Those closest to the hole just landed near Haraldur. Howver, those further away were thrown out, with the magnitude of the force increasing proportional to the increase in the distance from the hole.
The result of which was that Haraldur was suddenly surrounded by his followers, some with bruises from being thrown a little way. On the other hand, the soldiers did not fare so well. They had been flung out at very high speeds, and there was much bone breaking and they smashed into nearby trees, dead.
Haraldur sighed, he would have to transport them a different way. With a click, all of them except Tesla became very small, and were in his hand. He put them into suspended animation, and then into a small box, which he deposited in his clothing.
Tesla turned to Haraldur, pointing towards Draven, saying, "We do not have time to delay with matters such as this. You should converse with him later."
"Indeed," said Haraldur. He turned to Draven. "You can have it when it is next unused, which will never happen."
Tesla shot at the ground, causing dust to fill the area. He then grabbed hold of Haraldur, who shot south east at great speed. It would be useful to run into Zeros', if just for a few seconds, if Draven follows.
Posted by: Xorlak on Sunday July 31st, 2005
The soldiers who were thrown from the portal (and who were not dead) stumbled around confused, looking at their leader.
Draven watched Haraldur and Telsa take off as a crimson aura surrounded him.
"More fleeing and chasing, huh?"
Draven shot into the sky after the two and was hot on their heals within seconds.
"I do hope you've learned a few more tricks in the past five years, comrade."
Crimson blade in his right, he extended his left hand, opening his palm quickly. A bright flash of light appeared about a half mile directly in front of the escaping duo, followed by a rapidly expanding ball of flame. The explosion blasted apart the trees directly underneath, setting many more ablaze. At these speeds, Haraldur would fly directly into the blast within seconds...
----
"Sir Valos!!"
A fourth and fifth soldier approached the officer, carrying a haggard bearded man in prisoner's clothing who had his hands tied. The prisoner was forced to his knees and a sword held to the back of his neck. The prisoner struggled a bit before scowling at Valos.
"My lord, all the prisoners assigned to D Block escaped... except for this one. He had be assigned toilet duty this morning and was separated from the group. He tried to run when the explosion hit, but we stopped him... Your orders sir?"
A distinct tattoo of one man surrounded by ten smaller men was on his right arm...
----
"Copy your attack?"
Ven drew his blade. Mavas continued slowly moving closer and closer...
"That infernal gem does something different every time..."
"Hah hah hah hah!!"
His black cloak blowing in the breeze, Ven targeted his silver blade at Mavas and began to slowly sidestep to the right. As he moved, he glanced at Zion and Xenai and nodded his head in a way that any experienced warrior would understand as 'One of you go around left and one of you stay in the middle'.
The last branch and shrubbery fell off of Mavas and he stopped. A few dents and scratches spotted his armor, but he seemed physically unaffected.
"Heh heh... three for the price of one..."
Posted by: Trent on Sunday July 31st, 2005
Zion pulled out Eternity Weapon started to circle left, staying aligned with Ven. Xenai remained in the middle, pulling out Zero Weapon.
--- --- ---
Tsu didn't feel right. Something was going down with Zion and Xenai. He ejected his wings and took flight, in an attempt to find him. It would be kinda difficult since he couldn't yet feel ki.
Aura saw him, her blue eyes widening. She decided to follow him... Unfortunately, it would have to be on foot.
Posted by: Haraldur on Sunday July 31st, 2005
Spotting the blast in front of him, Haraldur split, leaving Tesla in the middle. In order to protect Tesla from the blast, sparks of energy went from the ten Haraldur's to Tesla, shielding him from the blast. The ten Haraldur's were in a circle, which expanded to surround and avoid the blast. The ten Haraldur's smiled at the symbol this created.
The ten Haraldur's morphed into what they had been before, the six weapons, older and younger Haraldur's, Ragnar and the boy. Ragnar grinned at Draven before they all converged again, holding on to Tesla as they merged to form Haraldur again.
Tesla shot at Draven with his ray gun, shooting plasma towards the Crimson Emporer. After he did that, Haraldur did two things: he made holograms of himself and Tesla, occupying the same space as themselves so it would not be noticed, and then made both him and Tesla invisible, and with suppressed auras. They then wheeled off to the north and then north west, leaving the illusions moving south east.
Haraldur hoped that they would reach the ruins of Vikingagarð without any more hitches, both the drop off the prisoners, and to see what Tesla and the others had done in the years he was away.
Posted by: Zeros' on Sunday July 31st, 2005
As Zeros' flew in the air at speeds exceeding Mach 1, he passed the Crimson Empire, but decided to ignore it in favor of following Draven and Haraldur's power spikes.
Look's like they already found each other. That's not good. With their battles, they could destroy half the world. He mused silently to himself. He, then, felt Haraldur's and Tesla's aura disappear suddenly. He cursed mentally.
Damn. I doubt that Draven can even sense aura's. No doubt more of Haraldur's trickery. He flapped his wings harder, putting on another burst of speed. He nedded to each them. And fast.
Posted by: Dude Man on Sunday July 31st, 2005
Rink flapped his small wings, and hovered infront of the Air Mage, and smiled at him. "Oh, we want nothing of you. Infact we want you to be, nothing!" Rink then raised his right arm and opened his palm, a cyclone of fire began to swirl around and become bigger, untill it became nearly twice Rink's size (so about 3 feet in diameter). He then blasted the fireball at Air Mage, burning him alive.
"You're sick Rink." Marshal grunted "We'll the whole army has proboabbly gotten in alert. He then patted the Albatrash on it's back. "We might need more help."
"Allright guys..." Duilin said quietly "Just try and not make to much noise, watch out for each other. Rink, you taught me how to use my powers, and now I want you to try and do them yourself."
"Hey," Rink began "It's not the fact that I don't know how. It's the fact that I can't."
"Just, try. Marshal, summon something, big if they come." Duilin ordered
"Were are you going?" Marshal asked conserned "I didn't like it when Zeros' told me I might die, and then went blasting off."
"I'm just going to search around. I might be able to gain more information, and I'll be able to defend myself if they find me." Duilin then dove down silently onto the castle's wall and then sneaked along the side, folding his wings down.
Marshal bit his lip and looked at Rink. Rink, gave a look of concern.
-------------
Valos turned around and looked at the prisoner. "So you tried to escape..." Valos said calmly. He then drew his sword. The black blade was clear but dark. He shook his head. He then looked into the bearded man's eyes. He then lifted his sword and readied to swing, sudden he stopped and looked around. He then looked at the fourth and fith soilder "Take him in for questioning." He then pointed at the other three "Follow me...I sence something." He said quietly. "General Nex told me what it should be like..."
"Um, General Nex? Sir, Valos, didn't he die five years ago?" One of the soilders said.
Valos turned his head, and narrowed his eyes and nodded, he turned back and started walking around. "There is a demon here..." He said loud enough for all three soilders to hear, clearly.
Posted by: Haraldur on Monday August 1st, 2005
The prisoner looked livid at the idea of being questioned, and he concentrated for a few seconds. And explosion of energy emanated from him, as his life force literally exploded away from his body, knocking down a few nearby walls, leaving just a burning body. A sort of destructive suicide.
Posted by: Xorlak on Monday August 1st, 2005
Draven slashed his blade before him, deflecting the plasma energy in two directions. He squinted at the brightness of his explosion, but quickly spotted his targets fleeing southeast.
He brought his left arm before him and blasted an intense pillar of flame at the two. They vaporized in the heat, and the flame traveled on to a group of trees below, decimating them in a fiery explosion. Obviously those were illusions...
He closed his eyes, not allowing himself to be fooled by such optical tricks, searching... He turned northeast, but a much larger power was approaching and he opened his eyes while turning to his right.
"Well well, what a day of happy reunions..."
It was the distinctive aura and the unmistakable wings of Zeros' headed his way.
----
Something jumped out of the burning tree, shooting in the air high above Marshal and Rink.
"TRY AND OFF ME, HUH?!?!"
The air mage's face was slightly charred, and his armor smoking. As he fell downward upon the two, the sky opened up and pillars of lightning began to strike the ground near Marshal and Rink in rapid succession.
----
"Hey, yo."
The three dark bodyguards were suspended some 500 feet in the sky, side by side, watching the large firey explosions appear over the southern forest. But the flying lightning bolts to their left that just appeared were much closer.
"Looks like someone ticked off Hans."
"Who doesn't?"
"Think we should give 'im a hand?"
"Might as well. Ain't gettin' nothin' done 'ere."
The black, green, and blue auras shot through the sky.
----
Ven continued circling until the three warriors had Mavas completely surrounded.
Mavas chuckled.
"It's not fair."
"Life's not fair," Ven snapped back.
Mavas turned his eyes towards Ven.
"It's not fair, considering how badly outnumbered you are..."
"Uhhhhhhhhh...."
Ven turned his head. Some thirty zombies were rising out of the ground around the the tree warriors and Mavas.
"Heheheheheheeee!!!"
The short gray robed figure nearly fell out of his perch high in the tree, laughing.
Roars emanated from under the ground, and three much larger things began to dig their way out...
Posted by: Zeros' on Monday August 1st, 2005
Zeros' narrowed his eyes as he spotted Draven floating in the air. He gave another flap of his black wings and gained another burst a speed, a sonic boom reverberating behind him, causing the water to wave behind him.
When he reached Draven's position, he flapped his wings and stopped suddenly. Water came up from behind him in a gaint tidal wave, hiding him from view.
As the tidal wave disappeared, Zeros' stood their, flapping his wings gently with his arms crossed and feet dangling down. His hair was drenched, sticking to his wet trench coat and dripping with droplets of water. His face was emotionless, hair spilling over his forehead and obscuring his eyes from view. Water dripping down from his hair and down his face, evaporating before it could hit the water agian.
"Hello Draven, pleasent day, isn't it?" he said, seeming casual about seeing on of his greatest opponents after five years of absence.
Posted by: Haraldur on Monday August 1st, 2005
At long last, Haraldur and Tesla reached Vikingagarð, or at least what used to be its ruins. There appeard to be a fortified settlement here, and there were a few flags and banners, and they all had a revolutionary feel: the background was a blood red and in the the top left corner was the same symbol of Haraldur surrounded by his ten copies. On the main gate was the same symbol.
It was good that even now they had managed to keep the aura of the town completely suppressed, Haraldur thought.
They landed on the empty pedestal in the centre of the main square. Immediately, many people huddled around the pedestal, and there was shouting and people leaving buildings to go to the pedestal. Eventually some hundred individuals were in the main square, three quarters of them male, given the nature of their bundle of gifts, abilities and disadvantages, the vast majority of those with such gifts were of the male sex. It was visible that all those with bare arms had the same tatoo as Tesla.
Tesla jumped off the pedestal, and Haraldur took a box from amongst his clothing, and deposited the former prisoners amongst the crowd, who handed them cold food.
"Citizens of Aspyes, those who I have taken from Romme, Tjed, Aritan and the Dark Continent, those whose minds are like my own deemed abnormal to those formerly around you, those scorned and mocked by ignorant simpletons who both underestimate and envy our abilities, and shun our social weaknesses, we will soon be making our existance known, and we will do what we have thirsted for for years. As I speak, already the first blow has been struck. The Crimson Capital, formerly the Dark Capital, has now been highly damaged with the deaths of thousands of our enemies.
"We will not fail, we will never stop until we have been avenged of our collective persecutors, and we have established a world order where peace can reign, with equality of income and rights for every one of us, in a sustainable system of distribution of goods and services. Those who oppose us will be crushed, for they deny progress, and deny the advancement of our species beyond our current stage.
"Soon, we will raise our light house, to attract those similar to us, and make our presence known. Let them tremble with fear!"
The crowd shouted, "Aspyes!"
Haraldur jumped down and said to Tesla "Get the defence turrets up, and armed, and make sure that we are prepared for any attack. We must not falter at the first hurdle, it will cost us valuable time and lives."
Tesla bowed and scurried off to do as he was asked.
Haraldur jumped back on to the pedestal, and it rose high up, and he used it to survey the surrounding area while preparations were busily commenced in the town below him.
Posted by: Dude Man on Monday August 1st, 2005
Marshal spotted the Air Mage jump down. He saw a lightning bolts blast down, he quickly jumped off the bird, as a bolt zapped it to death.
Rink, pointed his middle and index finger at the Air Mage and blasted to fire bolts at him. "I thought I killed you!" He yelled.
"Rink!" Marshal yelled "Stay on the ground, if you go in the air, you'll have a greater chance of getting struck by lightning. Rink nodded. Marshal then ran further away from the tree. He lifted his staff and it blasted a blue humen shaped specter, but it was much more burly and sloucched. It materialized into a large club weilding ogre. The ogre ran at the air mage, yelling, it swung it's large club at the Air Mage.
--------
Duilin, slid down the wall, and hid behind a small building. He took out his mace. I hope I didn't make a mistake leaveing Marshal and Rink alone. He knew that somebody was looking for him. He could sence a strong power, it reminded him of somebody.
--------
The three soilders followed Valos around.
"What, the hell is he lookin' for?" the first soilder wispered
"I dunno, this guy is even more confuseing then Draven." the second one wispered back
"He...He is close..." Valos said he pointed to a building. "There..." He said quietly.
Duilin closed his eyes, the power that he senced was accually preety strong. "No sence of hideing, I can take em..." He said to himself. He then stepped away from the building and revelied himself.
Valos raised his eyes, and grinned. "Heh, my my you have grown. Nice wings to." He laughed
"What the hell?" Duilin asked "Have we met?"
"I senced you were comeing, I have been watching you for awile, I should have acted sooner, when your power was stronger, but I can tell that you are getting more...rage...and hate."
"Who are you!?"
Valos, took out an old piece of paper, it appeared to be an old document. He looked at it and read. "Name: Duilin Talonscar, Rank: Leutenat, Status: Terminated from the Empire, for betrayle, treason, and murder of several soilders and officers."
"How the hell do you know me?" Duilin asked
"Nex...Before you went to war to fight in Romme, Nex told me that he expected the place to bring you rage and hate, he knew that you would 'evolve', the stronger you get the closer you get into coruption. But oh, it's not bad at all, soon, you shall bring victory to us, all we need is, your father!"
"My father! Nex, told me, he was a demon, he became insane and corupt. He ran away a few weeks before my home city was destroied. He's dead! I'm certain of it!"
"Hah, not really. I'm surprized Rink hasn't told you everything. I herd he found you. But this is no matter, you must come with me, there you will obtain extreme power and control. You can crush, the people who you belived to be stronger then you, even...Draven."
Duilin's face went to netruel. "I...can become...stronger....No! I don't need it, Zeros' is strong enough to protect me and all of my friends, Rink, Zion and rest."
"You won't need him. Rink has taught you to use your powers, but he is holding you back. Zeros' isn't protecting you, but he is preventing you from useing your powers, so you can stay weak..."
"I...am not...weak!" Duilin lifted his mace and ran at Valos. The tree soilders ran at him with there sword, Duilin swung his mace at one of the soilder's heads, smashing his skull knocking him down, he swung a punch with demon flame flowing threw at the second one, and jabed his hand right into his stomach, burning the soilder from the inside, wile he smashed the third soilders skull in aswell.
Valos drew his large black sword and pointed it at Duilin. "Bring it on!" The two ran at each other clanging there weapons together...
Posted by: Xorlak on Tuesday August 2nd, 2005
Draven replied as sarcastically as possible.
"Yes, just lovely..."
The burning blade disappeared and he folded his arms, turning towards the northeast.
"So, he's been trailing you on too, huh? Unfortunately, our problem seems to persist, which means our agreement remains as well..."
He shifted his eyes towards Zeros'.
"But it is obvious that he wanted us to meet. I saw his symbols in the sky. They were meant for you, weren't they? He wanted us to find each other... He wants his enemies in one place..."
----
"Hyaah!"
Landing on the ground, the air mage met Rink's bolt with shield of electricity... but he didn't see the club.
"Ooof--!"
The ogre slammed him hard, and he flew backwards some ten feet into a tree and tumbled to the ground.
A long, slender blast of shadow energy flew from the sky, piercing the ogre's back. It wailed as a black burning aura engulfed it and it disappeared.
"Heh heh heh, who're these guys?"
The three bodyguards landed in a row, in between Marshal and Rink and their fallen comrade.
"Terrorists tryn' ta screw up the peace..."
"Clearly the terror alert level must be increased to teal."
"Indeed."
The big one took a step forward, smashing his right fist in his left palm.
"Well, better get started..."
A blue aura engulfed the short one on the far right.
"Allow me."
The water mage thrust his right hand in the direction of the ground. Immediately the ground began to freeze and jagged shards of ice crept towards Marshal and Rink. A green aura engulfed the burly earth mage...
"HRRRAAAGH!!!"
He punched the ground with his right fist, shattering the ice and the frozen dirt below, sending both large cracks through the unstable ground and airborne razor sharp blades of ice at the two...
----
Ven spun around, lopping off an arm of a zombie that was nearly upon him before finishing it off. He quickly brought the blade before his face and it began to shed a silver light as he prepared the spell...
Posted by: Trent on Tuesday August 2nd, 2005
Xenai handed an Elixir to Zion. "Drink up, buddy. I've got an experiment to try." Zion gulped it down.
Xenai started to charge up Omni. "You too, kid." Zion obeyed and did the same.
Posted by: Haraldur on Tuesday August 2nd, 2005
As the pedestal shunk back to normal size, and Haraldur lowered down, Tesla nodded to him, the weapon systems had been prepared. Good.
The people stood in a circle around the pedestal, holding eachother's hands. Haraldur stood up. The circle turned around in the opposite direction to the world's spin, pouring energy into the pedestal. The pedestal got taller and wider, and carried on doing so, shaping itself into a massive light house.
Haraldur was now standing next to the light house beacon. He stood on it, and sat down, and meditated. He began to slowly spin, speeding up to a steady pace. From his forehead then cam a broade swathe of red light, a spinning beam.
_____________________________________________________________
Accross the world, the sky would turn red, and there would be curious symbols in the sky. Suddenly, many people would notice odd tatoos on their arms the same as the symbols in the sky, and would be thrown out of their villages, towns and cities.
With each sweep a force tugging them towards the lighthouse would increase in strength, eventually making them fly towards the light house at high speeds.
_____________________________________________________________
The main square not occupied by the light house was starting to fill up with those people who had been marked by the light house. They would be told by residents what they were here for, and the ideology of Aspyes, and all stayed, and were in agreement.
_____________________________________________________________
A strange small flying creature flew up to Draven, unfolding itself into a note, its paper red. OIt's header is the same as Tesla's tatoo. It landed in Draven's hand.
It reads:
"Greetings, Lord Draven:
The revolutionary government of the new nation of Aspyes, demands diplomatic recognition from the Crimson Empire recognising its existance and its right to existance. For reasonably obvious reasons you are not going to be informed of its location. Please reply on the back of this note, it will then fly back to me,
your comrade,
Lord Haraldur, former High General and Governor, Northern Territories, of Azure Empire, Blue Empire, Green Empire and Dark Empire
PS. Nice work, keep the line going.
Posted by: Dude Man on Tuesday August 2nd, 2005
Rink, blasted two fireballs from his hands at the ice blades headed toward him and Marshal.
"Hmmm, mages of each element." Marshal said "Well, I am a mage of summoning. Giveing me no elemental strength yet no weakness." Marshal backed up abit "Rink, I'm going to try something, protect me for a little wile."
Marshal then bent down on one knee and raised his staff, a large figure began to materilze.
As the mage did that, Rink created a flame in his palm, and lifted it up to his mouth he blew at the flame and created a large firewall melting the ice on the ground.
------
"Haha" Valos laughed "Your friends are in danger, and because of me, you cannot help them."
"You bastard! I'll just kill you and your mage buddies!" Duilin yelled. He blasted a lightning bolt at Valos, knocking his target back a few feet.
"Ha! You think your magic can out do mine!?" Valos, casted dark shade at Duilin, knocking him to the ground. "Ha, weak. Rink has done more damage then you!"
"How the hell do you know so much about me!" Duilin yelled as, he crawled back up.
Valos blasted another shade at him, knocking Duilin back to the ground, he then lifted the hair above his forehead revealing a tatto on his forehead.
Duilin looked at it, at first he expected the Aspyes' symbol. But it was a tatto of what appeared to be a bird talon making a cut upon skin. "A talon...makeing a scar..." Duilin relized that it seemed to be symbol representing his last name.
"Talonscar was a cult name. Your father ran it, he married your mother, saying it was his last name, and hid the fact that he was half demon." Valos explained "You are the key, to helping your father. Join, me and you and your father, can rule the world. Wipe out, the Empire, and every force that wishes to conquer the world."
"No." Duilin cried "My father, just wants me to become courput so I can join him as a servent in Hell!"
"Oh, no my friend." Valos grinned "A ruler, you can make it whatever you want. You can change the world..."
Duilin narrowed his eyes, they began to glow redish orange. He then blasted a ball of red flame that seemed to have orange electricity flowing threw it. The blast knocked Valos several feet away and down to the ground. Duilin slowly got up from the ground, and turned his head, he looked at the dark mage, turn, and get up.
Valos smiled evily at him "Good, very good...". Duilin looked at his hands and arms, they went back to how they were before, when he killed the enitity clone. He touched his forehead, he could feal two slight bumps.
Posted by: Zeros' on Tuesday August 2nd, 2005
Zeros' nodded at Draven's inquiry.
"Yes, indeed. It seems he thought our hate for each other would lead us to fight, and eventually kill one another, leaving him alone to take over the world. I would admit, our friends and allies are powerful in their own aspects... but I don't think they are simply strong enough. Even we may not be strong enough to permentally defeat this... monster," said Zeros' neutrally. "But, it seems he has underestimated us once again... and yes... it seems out alliance must be held, once again."
Posted by: Xorlak on Wednesday August 3rd, 2005
Draven noticed the piece of paper and plucked it from the air as Zeros' spoke the last sentence. He read it with interest, but his face glared with annoyance halfway through.
"Azure, blue... green...? You pompous... God, I hate that man..."
When he was finished, he flew closer to Zeros' and handed the note to him so that he could read it.
"You wouldn't happen to be able to stealthily follow a flying note now, would you?"
He searched in a small pouch attached to his belt and took out a quill that he happened to carry around (obviously the magical kind, that doesn't need to be dipped in ink and can even write upside down).
While Zeros' was reading, he turned to his fortress in the distance and noticed there were at least two battles going on, judging from the multicolored flashes of light produced by the spells.
"Your friends were snooping around my fortress, weren't they? *Sigh*"
----
The water mage took a few steps back, but then retorted with an intense blast of ice particles from his open palms. Behind, the air mage struggled to his feet and flew up into the air, enraged, sparks flying about him.
"THEY'RE MINE!!!!"
But at that moment, a telepathic message was broadcasted through the air (meaning everyone can hear it). It was Draven:
"Cease all attacks on those in league with the winged one, Zeros'. This includes another winged man, a small red imp, a man with teal hair, and a man with blue hair."
The bodyguards immediately ceased their spells, eyeing the red imp. What could this mean?
----
"Hehehe... from a distance, we shall watch them die!"
"Definitely too crowded here. 'Till next time!"
The gray robed figure leapt off the tree branch into the underbrush. Mavas took off into the forest as well.
"Blast it! No you don't!"
The distraction made Ven fail to notice the zombie to his right, which grabbed his arm. He kicked it off and it stumbled far enough away for him to swing his sword...
Blade fully charged, he brought it to his side and sliced the zombie in half with a huge arc. The energy continued on, catching six more zombies. The white light burned their flesh off and the skeletons stubbled around in agony, the silver energy still engulfing their bodies, until they vaporized.
By this time, the three things were fully out of the ground... they were mid sized dragons, some ten to twelve feet long, undead with partially visible skeletons. Each one lunged at a warrior...
(Remaining zombies: 22, Z. Dragons: 3)
(Haven't done this for a while. Heh...)
Posted by: Zeros' on Wednesday August 3rd, 2005
Zeros' nodded.
"Yes. I have... several techniques I can use to follow the note," he said as he read the note. Halfway through, he chuckled where Draven grew annoyed. "Yes. Haraldur has a warped sense of humor," he said amusedly. But, as Draven did his own telepathic message, Zeros' did his own as well, so it seemed it wasn't a trick by the Crimson Empire's leader:
Stop your attacks on Draven's forces. For now, we are allied. It seems Haraldur wanted us to destroy each other. We need to work together... for now. Zeros' telepathic message ran clear. He also broadcasted the message to Duilin, who was farther away then the bodyguards, Rink and Marshal.
He turned towards Draven and chucled humorlessly.
"They may be rash at time, but they are some of the most powerful people on this world. My friends are the only ones that can even stand against Haraldur for minutes to hours without being destroyed," he said.
Posted by: Dude Man on Wednesday August 3rd, 2005
Marshal sighed "Just as soon as it was getting fun." He stopped summoning and then stood up.
Rink, crossed his arms and chuckled. "Heh, so apparently we are allies now."
-------
Valos lowered his sword. "Draven and Zeros', wish us stop fighting."
Duilin narrowed his eyes, and twirled his mace. "This isn't a battle between sides." Duilin stepped toward Valos. "I don't care what they say. You have stocked me long enough."
"Hahah! Your demonic side is takeing over, good." Valos laughed "But, we can no longer continue this battle, at the moment. They are not letting us, we could be punished if we do. Haraldur, wants us to destroy each other."
"So...perhaps we should aid Zeros' and Draven, to improve the chances of destroying Haraldur." Duilin replied as he holstered his mace.
"Yes, my friend, yes." Valos, holstered his sword onto his back. "Let us go." He covered himself in a dark purple and red aura, and levitated himself.
Duilin blasted on his firey yellow aura. The two rivals fly off towards the area were Draven and Zeros' followed Haraldur to.
Duilin sent a telepathic message to Rink 'Rink, I am going to assist Draven and Zeros' with Haraldur. Perhaps you should stick with Marshal untill Aminaga comes back. Then come to were I am.'
Posted by: Trent on Wednesday August 3rd, 2005
Zion and Xenai watched the dragons emerge. And there were still yet more zombies.
"Great," said Zion. "Is your experiment gonna take care of all of these?"
"It might, it might not. We need, for one casting each, to modify Omni so that they are cast synchronously. The outcome, we have no clue, but we gotta make sure it doesn't hurt you, me, or the shiny guy over there." In reference to Ven.
"On 3... 1... 2... 3!"
What came out of their mouths seemed to be modified...
"Consume all, flash of annihilation! Omni+!"
The black stream of non-elemental energy shot forth out of the ground, straight up, for the entire distance that a zombie could be see. The only spots from which this energy did not erupt were those where Zion, Xenai, and Ven stood. The energy shot up high enough for most to see, including...
--- --- ---
Tsu halted, watching the spell being casted. Aura was catching up now, and she could see it too. Tsu took off in that direction. Aura watched him. "What's up with this guy?"
Posted by: Dude Man on Thursday August 4th, 2005
Duilin and Valos landed about 10 feet away from Zeros' and Draven's postion.
"So, apparently, this Haraldur has some sort of plan." Valos said
"Yes, last time he wished to complete his vengance. He nearly destroied the world. He had us belive we were on the same side, I accually trusted him." Duilin replied as he began walking
Valos followed "You shouldn't trust anyone. Even if they are your closest friends."
"I'm sertainly not trusting you right now." Duilin snapped back. He then, stood a couple feet away from two. "Zeros'." He said in greeting. "Draven..." He said in a more annoyed tone.
Valos grinned and bowed "My lord." He said to Draven. He then looked at Zeros', narrowing his eyes and grinning "Heh, nice wings..."
Posted by: Xorlak on Thursday August 4th, 2005
Still in the sky, Draven glanced at Duilin, but didn't say anything. He replied to Zeros'.
"Excellent... If you could find the location of this 'nation' and report it to me, it would give us quite the advantage, especially if he is unaware that we know..."
He took the letter back and began to write on the back:
"Ragnar,
I hereby recognize your nation's existence. I hope as leaders our interests will not conflict and our two nations can peacefully co-exist, standing side-by-side as pillars of virtue in this glorious world of ours.
Crimson Emperor Lars Draven I"
A smirk across his face, he looked up at Zeros'.
"I leave the rest in your hands."
He released the letter, allowing it to fly under its own power. Draven then turned and flew a bit lower.
"Come Valos. We have a war to prepare for..."
A crimson aura engulfed the man and he took off back towards the capital...
----
The bodyguards mumbled to themselves.
"Since when does he make alliances?"
"Seems kinda fishy."
"I hate fish."
They took of into the air and began looking for their leader.
----
"Whoa!"
Ven remained still as the darkness engulfed the area around him. One step would pull him into the effect of the spell...
The zombies moaned in pain around him, and were pulled back into the ground and crushed-- all of them. The larger dragons seemed more resistant. They tried to trudge forward under their much increased weight. Their skin and muscle was eventually completely pulled off, and the three skeletal dragons marched on...
Posted by: Haraldur on Thursday August 4th, 2005
The red letter flew south-east for a while, before burning up.
___________________________________________________________
Haraldur smiled as the reply was telepathed back to him from the letter.
Obviously we would be under attack.
He floated down and arranged for the people to prepare escape routes. There must be preparation for guerrila warfare, and the nearby mountianous landscape would be perfect.
Posted by: Trent on Thursday August 4th, 2005
The spell died down, and Zion and Xenai turned to look at the dragons that were still there.
"Well, we did SOMETHING to them," said Xenai.
"The zombies are nowhere to be seen," said Zion.
The two warriors split up, each heading for their own dragon.
Posted by: Zeros' on Thursday August 4th, 2005
Zeros' watched them go and cloaked himself in the Umi-Sen Ken and followed the letter's direction stealithly, his figure and aura complete obscured. As he follow the direction the letter, he mentally calculated the path it was taking.
After a few moments of following the letter, he saw it burn and cursed to himself.
The letter is going the opposite direction from the ruins of the old Vikingagarð empire. He narroed his eyes in thought. So... he's going home... or he's trying to confuse us... Well then... Zeros' turned in his cloaked flight and spead back off towards the Crimson Empire with the new information.
Posted by: Haraldur on Thursday August 4th, 2005
//Er... Zeros'... the letter was going south-east, while Haraldur is to the north west.//
Posted by: Zeros' on Thursday August 4th, 2005
//Er.. EDITS POST.\\
Posted by: Xorlak on Friday August 5th, 2005
Draven landed at the gate of the capital and marched in at a quick pace. Soldiers and workers were busy at the other side of town cleaning up the results of the explosion. A meek luitenant aproached the emperor.
"Damage report."
"My lord, much of the prison block built upon the silver mines has been destroyed along with several civilian dwellings. One of the twelve city wall gun turrets has been destroyed, and hole blasted in the northern wall. Casualties are estimated in the several hundreds to low thousands range..."
"And the Crimson Fortress?"
"The fortress remains untouched."
"The aerial shield?"
"Still fully operational..."
"So in other words, no significant damage..."
"Huh? Well, I suppose..."
"Tell me lieutenant, why did the 500 wyvern riders perched atop our walls, the two operational crimson death turrets at the north end, the 10,000 able bodied men posted within the fortress, and the 500+ men positioned at random intervals outside the city walls not stop these 50 some prisoners from escaping?"
"Uhh... well... there was a lot of smoke... I guess..."
Draven extended his left hand and pointed at the luitenant's head. A bright red laser emitted from his gloved fingertip, piercing his head and causing it to explode. The lifeless body fell to the ground.
----
Ven brought his blade up and deflected a claw swipe from the dragon skeleton. He parried a second blow, and retaliated with an arc of his sword, lopping off the skeleton's left wrist. He took a step back, charging a silver glow to his blade...
Posted by: Haraldur on Friday August 5th, 2005
//Er... the prisoners escaped from the south side, opposite to the explosion. This is because of the fault beneath the city in which there were seams of silver, which caused a hole to open up in the south.//
Posted by: Zeros' on Friday August 5th, 2005
Zeros' arrived at the Crimson Empire capitial, just in-time to see Draven blow the man's head apart. He let go of the cloaking technique and folded his wings behind him and chuckled.
"Really, Draven.. You need to learn how to control your temper. If you keep blowing apart your soldiers heads, you'll soon have no one but yourself," he said amusedly. "I followed the note as far as I could. From what I could find out, it was heading to the south-east... The strange thing is, though... It was the opposite direction that I thought Haraldur would be heading, towards the Vikingagarð ruins," he told the fire mage.
Posted by: Dude Man on Friday August 5th, 2005
Duilin and Valos had followed Draven back toward the empire. Valos stood about ten feet away from Draven. Duilin, was let in threw the gates with Valos. He stood beside Valos.
"Ha ha ha..." Valos laughed as Draven blew off the head of the soilder.
Duilin oddly smiled. He found joy in the man's death. He was surprized at first. He was starting to realize that he was changeing ever since he killed Darion, so many years ago.
"Vikingagarð, ruins, eh?" Valos said, as he walked closer towards Draven and Zeros'. "Perhaps, it was supost to go in the incorrect derection? To trick you."
"But how could Haraldur get the message if it went the wrong way?" Duilin asked as he walked closer.
----
"I saw Duilin and the others return, Rink." Marshal told the imp.
"Well, let's try and get in, see what's going on?" Rink replied
"Will they let us in?" Marshal asked
"Of course, we have an alliance remember?" Rink told
"That mind message thing, I got really gave me the creeps. Can Duilin do that?" Marshal asked, as they walked to the gates.
"Yeah, apparently, he couldn't allways but not he can." Rink explained "Infact, I belive before I met him he didn't even have wings."
"Could he still blast stuff?" Marshal asked
"Yeah...I think. His father was a demon, and he's trying to courpt him. Even threw *ahem* death." Rink finished as they arived at the gates. 'I just hope I was able to keep him dead'
"We are with, Lord Draven, let us in." Marshal told the guards at the gate.
Posted by: Xorlak on Saturday August 6th, 2005
(North, South, whatever. As long as we know what is going on. Heh...)
Draven continued his walk towards the capital.
"If it turns out that everyone is incompetent, then yes, I shall remove all their heads..."
He stroked his chin.
"Hmm, yes. It would make sense that the letter was a decoy. Making it fly in the exact opposite direction is a tad obvious, but worth looking into..."
By this time the four bodyguards had arrived from the sky and joined the group. Citizens and soldiers alike gawked at the entourage of warriors.
As they approached the crimson fortress, it became obvious that in addition to the larger airship Draven had arrived in, there were a few other smaller ones docked at the fortress sides as well.
The front gates opened, revealing a magnificent torch-lit golden hallway...
----
"Hyah!!"
Another parry, then a stab. Ven's silver blade punctured the neck bone of the dragon, and the white aura left the sword and surrounded the beast. The white fire began to burn away the monster slowly, and after a minute it evaporated into nothing.
Ven fell to the ground rather clumsily, then sat up, sticking his sword into the ground and breathing heavily. His vision seemed blurred a bit, and since the other two were a safe distance away fighting their dragons, he decided a 60 second break couldn't hurt...
He happened to look up at the collapsed opening to the temple he had broken his way through a few minutes ago. The rocks seemed to be bending and moving... He thought he was just tired and seeing things, but then got up on one knee to better study the opening. It wasn't just the rocks, but everything around the temple opening seemed to be bending and twisting...
The opening itself began to give off a soft violet aura. Ven could have sworn when he was last in there, there was a dark staircase leading down. But now, he could clearly see a long straight corridor with a floor made out of some sort of deep green stone...
----
Seeing the red imp, the two guards nodded to each other and opened the gates.
"Straight ahead."
Posted by: Zeros' on Saturday August 6th, 2005
Zeros' looked around where they entered curiously.
"AHh... Well, Draven, it seems you were busy in my five year absence," he said, looking at the golden archway. "But, yes, as you said, the letter flying in the opposite direction would, more then likely, be a ruse," he said towards Draven then turned to Duilin.
"As for recieving the letter, I'm sure they were more then likely several spells on the letter. That is porbably how he got the message even without seeing it directly," he concluded.
Posted by: Dude Man on Saturday August 6th, 2005
Marshal and Rink dashed towards, the group.
"We are here." Marshal said.
Duilin nodded.
"Duilin, you look, a little different." Rink said.
Duilin said nothing to this, he turned his face, and looked at the others. He gave a slight eye contact with Valos. Valos nodded, and gave an evil grin.
Marshal turned his head. "So, what is the plan?"
"It appears that Haraldur, hasn't finished his vengace perhaps." Duilin said, looking into the sky. He then turned and faced Marshal "So, we are going to find him, and stop him."
Rink tilted his head "So, who were those tatto guys, his army or something?"
"I think so." Duilin said, he then turned to Zeros' and Draven "So, you think we should go to Vikingagarð?"
Posted by: Trent on Saturday August 6th, 2005
Zion leaped into the air, trying to slash straight down through the dragon. Nothin' doin' there, but it did inflict some damage. The dragon swiped at him, connecting and knocking him back quite a bit. Zion got to his feet, and the dragon unleashed a breath of flame. Zion rolled to the side, then jumping up when it was done and issuing a boot to its face, knocking it over. Several ki blasts were fired at it while he was still in the air to finish it off.
Xenai was having more luck with his sword, as it was fscking huge. He swung the blade at the boner dragon's arm, shattering the upper part of it and allowing the rest to drop. The dragon retaliated with a fierce breath of fire that Xenai could do nothing about. It scorched him, badly. So he came back, retaliating by swinging Zero Weapon at the neck, demolishing it and sending the head flying. He then cut straight down through the remainder of it.
Posted by: Haraldur on Saturday August 6th, 2005
"Nikola."
Tesla turned, and walked to Haraldur's side.
"Nikola, I am going to place a protection spell on the settlement and all those within. The settlement will seem not to exist, its spacetime folded out of the universe. I want you to participate with the spell. The result will be that for the settlement to join the universe again, both of us must allow it to, or both of us must die. You know why we do this, our comrades are not as strong as that."
"Yes," said Tesla.
They left the bounds of the settlement and then faced it. Then Haraldur made some hand signals, which Tesla mirrored. Then Haraldur made his hand look as if it was holding something small between thumb and finger, and the space got smaller and smaller.
The settlement vanished. The only clue to something strange was the huge distortion of space around the area, which would now be dangerous to enter.
"At least they are now impervious to attack," Tesla said.
"Indeed. Now let us continue negotiations. Let us go south, then east, to the Crimson Capital."
Posted by: Zeros' on Saturday August 6th, 2005
Zeros' felt a shift in the air (Because of his long life span, he can detect the slightest distorions and irregualr activites all over the planet) and narrowed his eyes. He shook his head, putting the distortion that appeared for later investigation, even if it was from the direction the old empire Haraldur came from.
"No, Duilin, I do not think we should. Haraldur's followers will more then likely have similiar powers as he himself has, though significantly less powerful. Still, the number of them that escaped could cause some problems, as well as others they may have already rescued," he said.
Zeros' turned to Duilin for a moment, his eyes snapping to Duilin's forehead for a only a moment, before he made it look as if he was looking at the sky, where smoke was gathering above them in great, gray and black clouds.
"And yes, I also think that the men with that tattoo are party of Haraldur's regime," he said agian. His eyes then traveled to Valos and narrowed slightly, but he said nothing, and turned to Draven. The wind shifted alittle, causing the smoke above them to seperate and move away.
"What do you think, Draven? We will need your millitary stategies and support to make this work. Like I said, going in their half-cocked will get us killed."
Posted by: Xorlak on Sunday August 7th, 2005
Draven continued leading the group, they entered the palace and began winding up a large staircase.
"The men of Vikingagarð are a unique enemy. Attacking them with a large air or sea force is unwise, as many of their warriors are able to manipulate weather conditions, which if used correctly, could prove disastrous. The question is, of course, if the enemy really is the nation of Vikingagarð, or some new threat..."
They arrived at another large set of doors. Now they were in a large war room. A long table stood at the center. Some maps were thrown on top of it and some more fastened to the walls. Guards stood at full attention at either end.
"I do not believe the prisoners to be from Vikingagarð, else they would have been identified and put in more magic-resistant confines many years ago.
"Ragnar, of course, is a unique enemy as well. If he plans on building an army 50 prisoners at a time... well, that's just futile. The man does, however, specialize in wide area attack spells. I believe even an army of 1,000 low class soldiers would have some amount of difficulty. However..."
He stopped in front of a golden throne, turning to face the group.
"... if this is made to be a battle of us mages and warriors... He is quite outclassed and outnumbered."
----
Ven sheathed his sword and stood up. He wiped the sweat from his brow as a cool breeze rustled his black cloak. He watched the strange opening for a minute. It looked like a gateway to another world... Nothing seemed to surprise him anymore...
He turned his head to Zion and Xenai.
"So, what'd ya think? Painfully obvious trap, huh?"
He took a few steps closer, but not too close (for fear of being sucked in or something). It was definitely a straight corridor that went on for several hundred feet, but there was no ceiling. The green stone walls on each side seemed to be about ten feet high, and a sort of violet cloudy sky was visible above... In the distance, behind some more of these walls, was a sort of temple made of the same green stone...
Posted by: Zeros' on Sunday August 7th, 2005
Zeros' nodded at Draven's assessment.
"Yes, Haraldur is well outmatched in numbers. But there in lies the problem... even if we have thousands of battle-readied soldiers, how many of them could survive a spell from Haraldur and not be almost totally exhausted? Almost all of your men have little to no magical training, and even then, it still wouldn't be enough to survive one of Haraldur's entertaining spells.
Even with us, Duilin, Marshal, Rink and your elite mages, we can only hold shields on the soldiers for so long before we run out of magic," he said.
Although, I use ki more then magic, so running out of it wouldn't hamper me in the slightest. He thought to himself.
Posted by: Trent on Sunday August 7th, 2005
"Well, it doesn't look to be safe," said Zion as he looked it over, sheathing Eternity Weapon.
"There might be somethin' there worth goin' to, but we'd probably have to go through hell for it." Xenai put Zero Weapon on his back as he observed it.
Posted by: Dude Man on Sunday August 7th, 2005
"Well the thing is, you can send fifty soilders at Haraldur, and he could kill every single warrior with a single spell. Yet, one mage can put up a descent fight. It's odd really." Duilin said
"Yes, the mind is stronger then a sword." Valos added, and he rubbed his chin, walking closer to the table.
"Perhaps, if we were able to get enough mages then we would be able to take 'em down." Rink subjested
"Yeah, but were the hell are we going to find, over a hundered mages." Duilin said. "Unless there is like some cult of mages or something."
"Well..." Marshal replied "We may not be exactlly mages of offenive spells, yet members of the Blue Minotaur have been know to summon giant subterrian creatures and powerfull beasts, such as minotaurs, and even dragons." Marshal turned to Draven and Zeros' "Perhaps, a few additonal Summoning Mages may be of help?"
Posted by: Haraldur on Sunday August 7th, 2005
"Now we must take, ah, heh, a pretence at defending the island as if we were defending our comrades. But they are safe, so we shall make a defence of this vast land as part of our last stand, well hopefully not the last, but a stand nonetheless. Why they seem to wish to attack me so I simply cannot fathom. Either they are evil, maybe involved in oppression, repression and persecution, or they think of me in similar terms, the origin of the latter I cannot begin to have an idea about. But needs must and we must prepare ourselves. They probably know exactly where we are, especially if they have any intelligence. Let us begin!"
Tesla caused a wall of water to rise up from the sea, which when people got within a kilometre of it, would spurt water at them at high speeds and masses.
Tesla rose his arm upwards, holding his palm open, then lowering it. There was a faint sloshing sound as an aerial barrier hit the ocean and then went into it, blocking entry from underwater as well as from the surface and the air.
Haraldur caused the sea beyond the wall of water to be very turbulent, and when someone was above it, water would be spurted up towards him at high velocity.
In addition, he caused there to be a large storm, the fitting the whole country within its eye, and surrounding it with swirling winds and clouds, and lightning strikes.
As a finishing touch, Haraldur caused an invisible field to surround all the defences and beyond the defences. When this was breached (and the people would not have got to the defences yet and would be quite safe), it would speak thusly:
The nation of Aspyes bids you welcome, and thanks you for your thought of paying a visit. However, there are things we are busy with at the moment, and we would emphatically prefer not to be disturbed. If you are traders, rest assured we will arrange deals at a later dates. Please leave and come again, thankyou
Afterall, thought Haraldur, if there is a possibilty of death, why not have a laugh?
Posted by: Xorlak on Monday August 8th, 2005
"You've all touched on my point."
Draven walked to a large map pinned to the wall. It was a map of the old world, before the planet reshaping events of five years ago. To the right of it was another map, much cruder in design. It was an estimate of what the world looked like now, though not very accurate. The main contents were in the same place, but had generally different coastlines and seemed to have spots missing that had sunk into the sea, and there were more islands and smaller continents in the oceans.
He looked at the large island nation labeled "Vikingagarð" on the old map, then at the corresponding unmarked island on the new one.
"A full frontal assault would be useless. We must attack in two stages."
He pointed at the center of the island.
(*Cue SeeD music from FF8*)
"First a small elite unit must be formed, composed of no more than a few warriors. These warriors must be capable of confronting and subduing Ragnar alone. The first objective of this unit will be to ensure the safe passage of an army-- basically find and destroy any traps, neutralize any defensive spells, etc. This objective must be fulfilled as quietly as possible.
"The unit's second objective will be to confront Ragnar himself. This battle must serve two purposes: 1) to prevent Ragnar from casting any more protective spells and 2) to ultimately defeat him...
"While the elite unit is keeping Ragnar busy, stage two will begin. This will be a full scale invasion, care of the safe passage provided by the elite unit. I will send an army of 10,000 to obliterate the land-- burn the forest forests, villages, fortresses, whatever he's hiding over there. A few stronger warriors shall be necessary in this vast army as well, to protect the common soldiers in case something goes wrong."
Draven folded his arms.
"That is it. Choose your group wisely, 1 or 2, and this nation of Aspyes shall be removed from the face of Gaian before the next sunrise..."
----
"Well, I've come this far. No sense turning back."
Ven walked towards the eerie gateway.
"You guys have been a lot of help, but I don't blame ya if you turn back. This is my battle, after all..."
The air around him rippled as he stepped through the portal, and his boots clicked on the strange green stone floor on the other side.
Posted by: Zeros' on Monday August 8th, 2005
Zeros' walked over to the maps and crossed his arms and looked back and forth between the maps serveral times. He closed his eyes for a moment, thinking over Draven's words.
"So, basically, one unit will remove and traps, ulimately fighting Haraldur in the end, while the second unit will destroy the land and resources," he said, summing up what Draven said in one sentence.
He thought about it for a moment and nodded.
"I'll go with the elite force. Because of my Umi Sen-Ken," he said, using the skill for a brief moment to disappear completely from view, both from the eye and from the senses, "I could sneak past any sentries Haraldur had set up," he finished.
Posted by: Haraldur on Monday August 8th, 2005
Tesla had a look of concentration on his face, and then said, "Haraldur, they cannot find us so easily if the country moves."
"Indeed. Even better, we can move it North, the worse the weather, the better for us. Also, the space distortion will stay in place, so anyone who can detect it will not see us moving, especially since are auras are suppressed."
There was a loud bang and a groan as a new tectonic plate was formed. Then, the edges of the surrounding plates melted, so it would not cause huge earthquakes when it moved.
Slowly, it moved north, leaving the distorted space behind it, and having a hole in its land mass where the settlement used to be.
To the North, the vast icecaps would not know what would hit them.
"Means to an end. This is the means, freedom is the end."
Tesla nodded in agreement.
Posted by: Dude Man on Monday August 8th, 2005
"Hmmm..." Duilin thought for a moment. He turned and looked at Valos, and then at Draven "I'll go with the Elite group to."
"Perhaps I shall aswell." Valos said, grinning.
"I'm going to go with the attack squad." Marshal nodded. "My monsters that I summon will provide great assistment." He then turned to Rink. "Will you go with me little one?"
Rink, then thought for a little wile. He then turned and looked at Duilin, who didn't look back. "I'm going with elite squad."
"Are you sure?" Marshal asked.
Rink paused for awile and then nodded "Yes." He then sent a small telepathic message to Zeros'. 'I know what your thinking, but I am mainly going to keep an eye on Duilin. I'm worried about him, he's acting different.'
Marshal then looked at Draven "Well, do you think it will helpfull if I make contact with the Blue Minotaur, asking if they could aid?"
Posted by: Zeros' on Monday August 8th, 2005
Zeros' nodded very discretly and sent a message back:
Actually, I am surprised by Duilin's control over his powers. I was actually predicting him to go partially insane five years ago. Because of how suddenly he came to the powers, I'm surprised he still has his sanity.
Zeros' explained for Rink, "Actually, Marshal, it would be helpful for Rink to come. He is powerful for an Imp and because of his small size, he could sneak through places we couldn't," he explained.
Posted by: Trent on Tuesday August 9th, 2005
Zion crossed through the portal. "In case you need me." And then Xenai. "I'm bored."
Posted by: Xorlak on Tuesday August 9th, 2005
Draven nodded at Marshal.
"The aid of your group, while not necessary, might be helpful. If you can contact them quickly, that is. Time is of the essence..."
He turned to the rest.
"Excellent. Though I would prefer to be part of the elite unit, I must organize and lead the troops personally. Once my men make a safe landing and begin their task, I will join you."
He turned to his four bodyguards in the back.
"You four are on defense. Make sure he doesn't attack from behind and skrew up my palace."
"What?"
"Ah, man..."
Draven folded his arms.
"That is all, move out at once. My army won't be far behind. Zeros', contact me telepathically when you've made a clearing for my men and give me the location."
He turned and left the room, passing an officer who began to follow.
"How many, my lord?"
"All of them."
----
Ven turned to see Zion and Xenai walk through a solid wall... Apparently it was a one-way portal. Great.
He continued down the corridor. There was an opening on his right, and apparently another corridor parallel to the one they were in. A little ways down, there was another opening on the left and and a similar scene. It was at this point Ven realized he had lead the group into some sort of giant labyrinth...
He stopped and scratched his head.
"Uhh..."
Then the footsteps came.
There was something big walking around in the maze with them. They seemed be coming from the general area of the left doorway, though somewhat far away...
Posted by: Dude Man on Tuesday August 9th, 2005
Marshal nodded in acknowledgement to Draven. "I shall make contact with them as soon I can."
Duilin turned around and took out his mace twirled it. "Another epic battle. This should be fun."
Marshal then walked over to a blank piece of paper on the desk, with a pen. He then began writing...
Dear Blue Minotaur High Elder Garu
A powerful army in the nation of Vikingagarð, has proven to be a great threat, possibly attempting to take control of the world. The leader of the army is the man known as, Haraldur, he is extremely powerful. I have made an alliance with a few people who were the ones who in fact saved the world five years ago. My group, and the Crimson Empire are going to take force on this army. Yet your help would be greatly needed for the enemies' soldiers are very powerful mages. Arrive at the Crimson Empire stronghold if you agree to help, but please be quick on your decision.
~Marshal Royle
He then step outside, rose his staff, and a spectre of a winged creature appeared. It materialized into a wyvern. He gave it the note, the creature held the note in one of it's claws. "Go, back to the temple, give this to the High Elder. Make haste."
Posted by: Trent on Tuesday August 9th, 2005
"I detect a large hostile presence approaching."
"I ain't got any more elixirs."
"Great..."
//Hopefully, it shouldn't be TOO hard to find out who's saying what.
Posted by: Haraldur on Tuesday August 9th, 2005
//Taking over the world? Soldiers? Army? Where are your characters getting this impression from? Or are they just making an assumption? I want to know because I want to guage how obvious or subtle Haraldur will be with his intentions, as my current plan does not seem to be working in that respect.//
Posted by: Trent on Tuesday August 9th, 2005
//Feh! How did I double post!?
Posted by: Zeros' on Tuesday August 9th, 2005
//The characters think that Haraldur is trying to take over the world, or at least, part of the world, or to destory the world, starting from where Haraldur is currently located. They want to stop Haraldur before he has a chance to initate whatever plan he has.\\
Zeros' nodded. He turned towards his three companions in the elite force.
"Let us make haste. We have no idea what Haraldur has planned," with a swirl of his cloak, Zeros' wings furrled from his back and he took off in flight. He then remembered the distortion in the air and went towards it. Now that he thought about it, the distortion he felt must of been Haraldur weaving some spell.
While flying, though Zeros' started to think about this conflict more.
Yes, Haraldur did try to destroy the world five years ago, but what if this time Haraldur has an alternate plan, what if he really wants to work in Harmony... One part of Zeros' mind mused silently to himself. He kept these thoughts seperate from the mental connection of Draven. They were, of course, his angel side that said that.
Posted by: Dude Man on Tuesday August 9th, 2005
Marshal headed towards over to Draven. "Draven, I sent a note to them, they should resive it shortly, but it may or may not take awile for them to reach a choice. So I shall wait here untill they arive, or reply saying they cannot." Marshal stated.
----
"Duilin." Valos said to him. "We must go."
"Well, I'm not sure if we should leave just yet." Duilin replied.
"Why not?" He asked
"Because, we should save up our energy it will be a hard battle."
"Well, Zeros' dosen't seem to think that is nessicary."
"He runs on a totally different type of power, ki, I have chosen to the path of magic, and bloodrage. Since I am a demon bloodrage is natural, yet since I am also humen, I am able to use magic."
"Of course..." Valos, rubbed his chin "But won't they need our help."
"I have fealing it will take awile for them to find the island. The world has changed alot."
"Very well, I shall inform Lord Draven. You tell your friend, Zeros' about our plan..."
Duilin sent a telepathic message to Zeros'
"Zeros'. My power is very low at the moment. I am going to atempt to build up more energy before I atempt to fight Haraldur. I'm sorry, but I must get more power. I hope you understand."
Wile, Valos sent one Draven
"Lord Draven. Duilin wishes to build up more power. This shall perhaps build up his bloodrage makeing him more suductive. Heh, if everything goes acording to my little plan he may be of aid, after I alliance with 'Flyboy', as you call him, is over.
Rink, overherd the conversation, and even was able to intercept a small amout of the telepathic messages. He then sent one to Zeros'.
"Zeros' something is going wrong here. I'll handle it. I'll be on my way in a few hours or so. You might not want to try and fight Haraldur yourself untill then, but go ahead if you wish to."
//Yeah, the reason for this. My mom couldn't have picked a worse time, but I am going on a tiny vacation for a few days. Untill Saturday to be exact. Sorry about this, so on Saturday afternoon, I'll be back. We are leaveing tomorrow, so I may be able to make a quick update for tomorrow, but it's not a sure thing. My mom's really stuborn about the computer. <img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/dry.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='dry.gif' /> .\\
Posted by: Xorlak on Wednesday August 10th, 2005
(We can slow down for Dude Man a bit.)
Draven smirked at how gung-ho the "heros" were in taking out Haraldur. Excellent... this is going to be very entertaining...
"Yes, Valos, keep a close eye on that one. He may attain a useful level of power some day..."
He and the officer continued down the set of stairs, making a turn at an adjoining hallway. Two guards lifted their spears out of his way as he passed a heavy door...
----
(You could help me out a bit. I'm just winging this, you know. Heh...)
The footsteps came closer and closer. Ven flashed the others a concerned look, but didn't say anything for fear that it would hear. The footsteps seemed to be winding their way around corners, getting louder and louder...
Ven stepped towards the doorway on the left and moved toward the right side of it, pressing his back against the wall. He drew his sword, and slowly began to peer out into the opening...
Posted by: Haraldur on Wednesday August 10th, 2005
They had reached the north pole of the world. Now instead of rain, large hail stones were falling from the storm clouds. Bits of ice were floating in the sea, and the turbulent areas, and large chunks of ice were in the walls of water.
Posted by: Zeros' on Wednesday August 10th, 2005
Zeros' sighed and shook his head. He sent a message back to Duilin:
Don't worry. I understand. He then sent a reply back to Rink. Keep a close eye on Duilin. He choose magic and bloodrage. If he gets too drunk with power, he can be easily manipulated. I believe this might be how Qor recrutied Duilin's father to his side: The promise of power.
Unknown to Draven or Duilin, he had kept a very discrete mental connection with both. He couldn't nessessarily read their minds without making the connect stronger, thus, making it detectable. This type of connection let him detect their surface thoughts. It took someone who had been practicing arts of the mind for over one hundred years to even detect the connection, let alone sever it.
He felt the pleased aura come from Draven and he could only guess what it was about (he can actually only read emotions and thoughts that stay in his mind too long; if they pass by too fast, he can't). So, therefore, he slowed down some, his eratic flight changed into a more lazy drift across the air, for once, being able to enjoy the sensations of flying with wings.
Posted by: Xorlak on Thursday August 11th, 2005
Draven entered a large room, filled with soldiers standing at attention. He turned to the officer.
"We shall divide them into four platoons of 2,000 each and two platoons of 1,000. The four large groups will board four of the smaller, faster warships, and the final two will board two of the smaller airships. Each ship is to be additionally equipped with a wyvern unit and a defensive mage unit. Understood?"
"Yes, my lord."
The gates in the back of the room opened and the soldiers began their march to the long row of piers, except for a fifth of them, who began their mach to the upper reaches of the palace where the airship docks reside.
"Excellent..."
Posted by: Trent on Thursday August 11th, 2005
The other two joined Ven in hiding... and then it emerged: A huge dragon... The shape of a necrodragon, but this one was alive. It looked grand, yet terrifying. It had black scales all over it, and deadly purple eyes.
//How's that? <img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/happy.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='happy.gif' />
--- --- ---
Tsu landed, coming upon the portal. It seemed to be closed. Aura then caught up, about 20 feet back. Tsu turned to look at her. "Why are you following me?"
"Just trying to find out some things about the creepiest guy I know."
Tsu unsheathed Kuon Yaiba. "Be gone."
"I don't think so."
"Very well... You leave me no choice..."
Posted by: Xorlak on Friday August 12th, 2005
(See. Fun, huh? Heh...)
The violet-eyed monstrosity stopped just after clearing the doorway. It lifted its nose to the sky, smelling the blood of the trio just behind it. It would be only seconds before it turned and realized they were there.
Back against the wall, Ven lifted his blade silently. If he charged, he could stab the thing in it's exposed stomach, but would his blade be enough to pierce its scales? He turned to his right. The opening was so close... maybe if only they could tiptoe to the other side of the wall...
Posted by: Trent on Saturday August 13th, 2005
Zion and Xenai remained frozen, trying to figure out the best possible course of action.
--- --- --
Tsu and Aura charged at each other, swords clashing. They backed off and charged again, slashing furiously at each other, their swords connecting each time. Tsu rolled back, away from Aura. She retaliated by jumping up and coming down toward Tsu with her sword pointed down. Tsu rolled to the side, and onto his feet, swinging Kuon Yaiba into the back of her head with all of his might. She staggered forward, turning around to face him again. Tsu's eyes were narrowed, and appeared to be filled with darkness.
Posted by: Dude Man on Saturday August 13th, 2005
//Whoa, I barely misssed anything. Thanks guys, your the best <img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/happy.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='happy.gif' /> lol! \\
Rink sighed as he herd Zeros' reply. "Yeah..." He said to himself. "I miss him." He then walked over to a small vally were Duilin and Valos were training. He watched. "I don't trust Valos. This alliance might have even been a bad idea."
Duilin, swung his mace at Valos. The dark mage blocked it with his giant black metal sword. Valos, pushed his foot towards Duilin's chest. Duilin quickly grabed his oppent's foot with his free hand, twisting it, and fliping Valos to the ground.
Valos, begins to get up. "Good, very good."
Duilin helps him up. (Let's say they have been training for awile.). "Well then. I think that might be enough training."
"Really? Perhaps, we should test our strength of magic?" Valos asks
"Fine." Duilin nodds.
The two take a few steps back. They look at each other. Duilin blasts a lightning bolt, as Valos casts a shade, they both are knocked back a few feet, yet they were able to keep there balance. Duilin tosses a fireball at Valos, yet he casts a haste spell on himself and dodges the attack, then blasts a dark lightning bolt at Duilin, knocking him to the ground.
"Hah!" Valos laughs "Your magic is weak compared to mine. Yet you should try and use your demonic powers."
"Yes, but let's not waste our energy." Duilin says.
"I have elixers, we will be fine." Valos replies.
Duilin noddes, and then swoops up to his feet, with the aid of his wings. Valos, then poses a fighting stance, as Duilin charges yellow/orange energy around his hands and wrists. He then crafts it into an orb, and then tosses it at great speed. The orb smashes at Valos knocking him to the ground. "YAAHA!" Duilin yells in pride.
Valos grins and he covers. "Very good. Now-"
"Enough!" Rink said with a serious face. He glided down, closer to the two, and then went to a more normal exprestion. "Uh heh, what I mean is we are going to have to get going soon, ya know?"
"Yes and they have agreed to help." Marshal added, as he appeared in the scean. "I see the Blue Minotaur warriors, they have agreed to help."
"How many?" Valos asked
"Around thirty." Marshal replied "Might not seem like alot, but the warriors are very strong. I am but a scout."
"Very well." Valos said "You should group up with Draven and his forces. We will meet you at Vikingagarð."
Marshal nodded. Duilin, Valos and Rink flue off to group with Zeros. Marshal, then watched them fly off for a little wile. And then turned and saw the group of Blue Minotaur Mages, land down. All were wearing the simular clothing of Marshal's yet, they had stronger armor, with saphires in them for decoration. All but, one was rideing a wyvern, one was rideing a small blue dragon. The one rideing it had no head gear, a short beard, and a shineing blue/silver cape.
"General Roland." Marshal bowed to the caped dragon rider.
"Yes, young one, at ease." The dragon rider replied. Roland then rubbed his chin. "So, take us to the leader of the Empire."
"Um, yes." Marshal said "Follow."
Roland signaled the soilders to stay here. He then followed Marshal into the castle. Marshal and Roland came to the large barraks, were Draven was. He then spoke to the guard. "Tell Draven, that Marshal is here, with the General of the Blue Minotaur's army."
Posted by: Xorlak on Sunday August 14th, 2005
Draven stood at the edge of the pier, his hands behind his back hidden beneath his cape. Directly behind him were large barracks from which a never ending stream of dark warriors marched. Two ships were armed and ready, filled with soldiers and leaving the docks. Two more were in the process of loading soldiers.
"My lord. The general of the Blue Minotaur has arrived."
"Send him in."
Draven turned as the general riding the small dragon and Marshal approached.
"Welcome. Your aid is most appreciated. Those that provide us aid are entitled to a reward. It is our way..."
He folded his arms and looked to his left. Behind a line of his own soldiers, he could see the Blue Minotaur group waiting, only thirty or so strong... He extended his arm in the direction of the ship on his left.
"I'm sure you have been notified why you are here. Your soldiers may board this ship, that is, unless you have any questions, General..."
He paused so that the general may say his name.
----
Ven took a slow careful step towards the opening... towards safety...
*Snap!*
Of all places for a twig to be...
The violet-eyed beast spun around, its tail marring the other side of the wall. Its eyes burned with rage, its multi-fanged mouth gaped open, oozing a dark shadowy aura.
"Great."
The dragon proceeded to spew a black flame at the trio.
"Hya!"
Ven quickly thrust his blade at the impeding dark flame. A flash of silver light emanated from the sword and a white beam met the shadow energy half way, but this was not strong enough, as the black fire began to push the beam back and back into Ven...
Posted by: Trent on Sunday August 14th, 2005
"Who puts a f*cking twig in a mysterious looking portal!?" Xenai was the first to emerge, running next to Ven and pointing his hands up at the flame. He shot out a beam of enregy, to combine with Ven's.
"What luck." Zion was next. He ran to the other side, pointed his hands up, and gave some of his power.
--- --- --
Bokura wa ima demo sakenderu...
The two fighters charged at each other, swords clashing seemingly endlessly. The two soon found themselves in a struggle, pushing against each other with their swords.
"Why can't you just take me?! Don't you see how much I care?!" Tears flowed from Tsu's darkness corrupted eyes, rage evident on his expression.
"Why can't you just leave me alone?! Don't you see I don't want you?!" Aura wasn't crying, but the rage was there.
Posted by: Zeros' on Sunday August 14th, 2005
Zeros' swooped down low and flapped his wings, causing a wave of water to burst out in front of him. The water continued the wave before it stopped and Zeros' stood their with his arms crossed and his eyes seemingly focused on a spot in the air, but their was nothing there...
Draven, it seems that Haraldur has hidden his country within a rift. It seems that distortion I felt earlier was Haraldur using his magics to minipulate the air around the country of Vikingagarð. Anyone coming close enough to the area will be immedaitely destroyed. Keep your ships a moderate amount of distance between them and the distortion.
The only reason I am not affected is because I am also minipulating the air around myself, causing the two energies to clash. Indeed, it seemed that something was happening. Small tendrils of dark energy were randomly appearing and disappearing around Zeros' body. He sent this information to Draven and also to Rink.
Posted by: Dude Man on Monday August 15th, 2005
"Greetings Draven." The General replied "I am General Roland. I run the army for the Blue Minotaur. I do have a few questions however..."
Roland turned his head and looked down at Marshal and then back at Draven. "This, Haraldur, The historians of our clan have studied this Haraldur, we do not know alot him, but we do know he nearly destroied the world five years ago. We want to get more information on this story? Marshal, said you had something to do with what happened."
-----
Rink resived Zeros' message, and replied 'Yeah, that seems like something he would do. With no dought he was sertainly expecting an attack.'
"When we get there..." Rink said to Valos and Duilin "Don't get to close. He's set traps..."
"That dosen't surprize me." Duilin replied.
The three spotted Zeros' a few yards away.
"Ahoy-hoy!" Valos laughed, as he waved his hand signaling Zeros'
Posted by: Haraldur on Monday August 15th, 2005
Tesla and Haraldur were staring into a pool of water, showing an image of Zero's arriving at the rift.
"You were right, Lord Haraldur, we are going to be attacked."
"Indeed. Can we attack through this thing?"
"Yes. Anywhere on the battlefield, and this will not be visible. It will attack from its viewing point. If it then moves, it can attack from somewhere else."
"It is very fortunate for me that they found you."
"Thankyou."
Posted by: Xorlak on Monday August 15th, 2005
Draven folded his arms in response to the general, now looking out towards the sea.
"Roland, yes... This... 'Haraldur' as some call him, is an interesting fellow. Five years ago he was set on destroying the planet in the name of 'revenge'. I'm not sure why. Bad childhood or something... Now he wants to build a nation. Heh, yeah right."
He looked over he shoulder.
"He has a perplexing personality. Of course, he is made up of several people, some insane, some just jerks, at least one demonic entity, and several metallic weapons... don't ask..."
Draven returned his gaze to the sea.
"Ask my officers if you wish to be informed of his strengths, weaknesses, typical battle tactics, etc." (The same info Draven gave in his speech earlier.)
The last of the soldiers boarded the sea bound ships. The full airships high above docked at the towers started their magical engines. It was time...
Draven closed his eyes and responded to the long distance telepathy:
"As I suspected. Find a hole, every defense has a weakness..."
----
"HYAAHH!!"
Ven held his ground with the help of Zion and Xenai. The black blast of fire slowly receded under the intensity of the triple attack.
Finally the dragon was completely overcome. It's body began to burn in multicolored flame. The merged beams entered the beast's mouth and a huge explosion ensued, followed by a swift change in force in the opposite direction. In the dragon's place a sort of black hole was forming-- another portal...
"Whoa!"
Ven slipped and fell, his armor clanging on the floor. He then began to slide along the ground toward the portal until finally flying up into the air into it...
Posted by: Trent on Monday August 15th, 2005
"Oh, for fuuuuuuu!" Xenai is swept into the portal, Zion immediately after.
--- --- ---
They broke the struggle off, backing away from each other. Aura turned and started to walk off. Tsu simply stood there, doing nothing.
Posted by: Zeros' on Monday August 15th, 2005
Without turning around, Zeros' raised his palm behind him, signalling for them to stop.
"Stay there. This rift is very strong," he commanded. He recieved Draven's message and nodded inside his head. Yes.. every defense had a weakness..
Zeros' slowly flew closer towards a certain area and started to examine around the area. He moved slowly and paused many times in his movements. At those times, his aura extended slowly for a few moments before coming back towards his body.
Posted by: Xorlak on Tuesday August 16th, 2005
Draven began to float, shooting straight up into the air. He landed on the deck of one of the two passing airships.
"Are all preparations complete?"
"Yes, my lord."
"Then let us go."
The entourage of more than 10,000 began to slowly move towards the general area of their destination. The four battleships spread out across the sea in formation and the two airships above...
----
The trio materialized some ten feet in the air. Ven promptly fell, his armor clanging on another stone floor.
"Ohh..."
He sat up, feeling many eyes staring at him...
They had appeared in the middle of some sort of town... but this was not a typical village... The spot where he had landed was very crowed, and every single person had stopped what they were doing and flashed the intruders cold hard stares-- there were hundreds of them, mostly men. Those with shorter sleeves or no shirts displayed a distinct tattoo on their arm. The same symbol as on the red flags flying around the settlement.
Furthermore, the sky was eerie. It was constantly moving, as if the town were in the middle of some sort of dimensional distortion...
"Uh... hello..."
(Yes, they're supposed to be in Haraldur's town!)
----
"You idiot! What happened?"
*SMACK*
"Hsssss!! They weren't ssupposed to defeat the dragon like that! They were ssupposed to flee and find the mysstic jewel at the end of the labyrinth to place in the head of the giant sstatue that would transsport them here sso we could--"
"Just tell me where they are!!"
"Well, it was a random disstortion. They blew a hole in the very fabric of the dimenssion... sso they probably would end up where the planet's space is most distorted..."
"Wouldn't that be where they entered?"
"I would think sso, but..."
Posted by: Haraldur on Tuesday August 16th, 2005
A man was usherred into the front of the crowd, and smiled at the three men.
"Good morning. You are most welcome to stay for the moment, but to be honest you can do little else, since we are supposed to be cut off from the rest of the universe at the moment, the obvious exceptions being yourselves. There are, however, two questions I would like to ask you before I arrange for you to have accomodation, for we know not how long we will have to be cut off, for it is not known how long it will take for danger to pass, so you would understand if we were a little surprised by your entrance. First, it would be appreciated if you gave us your names, to go in our records, and as courtesy, and secondly, we would really like to know whether the portal you came here by was permanent or temporary. I hope you understand why we ask this."
On the other side of the square, there were several ethereal chess boards and chess pieces, and just then the games were restarting. Here it was obviously a spectator sport, with much cheering as people gathered around. There were no timers, but the contestants were wearing earmuffs, so that they could not receiv help from the crowd. Whites castled.
On this side of the square were several anvils manned by blacksmiths, forging swords in case their leader and his companion were killed. Each blacksmith had several anvils, and seemed to be controlling hammers which floated around by themselves, giving the equivalent of mass production. Every few minutes a blacksmith would leave the heat of the forge to cool down by watching the chess match, while someone else left the match and replaced him.
Posted by: Trent on Tuesday August 16th, 2005
"Ow, my head..." Zion sat up after the unpleasant fall to find those cold, hard eyes.
"Where are we?"
Zion looked up at the man. "Uh... Zion Ultima."
"Xenai Omega... We got here through some weird portal... We heard somethin' big walkin' around, so we hid behind a wall. It came out and it was some huge black dragon. So he" Motioned toward Ven. "stepped out cautiously, and lo and behold, a friggin twig was there. So the dragon noticed, and we all three shot energy beams at it to counter the flame it was shooting at us. The combined beams pushed back the flame and entered its mouth and it died, making a black hole that sucked us up. And now here we are."
o_o; Zion just looked at Xenai.
Posted by: Dude Man on Tuesday August 16th, 2005
"How are we going to get threw?" Rink asked, the two.
"Hmmm..." Valos slowly headed foward, he fowarded his hand were the water would spring up. As the water blasted up, he casted an ice spell freezeing the water, then with his other hand he swung a firey punch at the ice, smashing a far sized hole into the water, and flue threw the hole. The water rised up again and smashed the ice, just after Valos got threw.
"Okay, what about us?" Duilin asked.
"Firepunch the ice as soon as I cast it." Valos said. Valos icepunched foward as the water blasted up, freezeing the water. Duilin quickly firepunched a hole into the ice and then grabed Rink and flue threw. They then stood behind Zeros'.
---------
"Interesting." Roland said. He then signaled for his warriors to fly with the ships. "Let us go Marshal." He said to him as he saddled back onto his dragon, and flied with the army.
"Yes, sir." Marshal replied. The wyvern he summond earlier was the the knights, so he hopped back onto it. "Ya!" The wyvern then flapped it's wings and then flue off with the army.
Posted by: Zeros' on Tuesday August 16th, 2005
Zeros' turned his head towards them for a moment before turned back to his prodding. He moved several feet to the left, then he moved down and to the right. Now, he was standing roughly 30 meters above the water, a gentle ripple echoing beneth his shadow as his wings flapped, keeping him upwards.
He held up one finger and slowly coaxed his aura out. A midnight black aura, tinged with the slightest bit of white around the corona, appeared around his finger with tendrils flowing from it.
He reached out and dragged his hang across an invisible spot. The air seemed to shimmer for a moment, a glimpse of a color passed by, before their was a rippppp and the crack sealed itself with a inaudiable pop.
While he kept up his ministrations, he felt the dimensional rift appear, as did it with Ven, Zion and Xenai's auras.
Posted by: Xorlak on Wednesday August 17th, 2005
"Ven... Ven Hyul..."
Ven stood up and sheathed his sword, trying to look as non-hostile as possible. He brought his right hand to the back of his head.
"Hah, yeah that's pretty much how we got here."
He looked straight up.
"I don't see anything up there but sky, so I guess it was a temporary portal. Just our luck..."
Ven took a look to his left and right, noticing the chess matches on one side and the blacksmiths and floating hammers on the other. Interesting... He looked the man in the eye.
"Your hospitality is much appreciated. We won't get in your way. Say... you wouldn't happened to have seen a man in black armor, about my height, with a glowing red pendant around his neck around here, would you?"
Posted by: Haraldur on Wednesday August 17th, 2005
"A temporary, portal, that is fortunate. Anyway, you are our first visitors, so no such person has been here before you. I do have a favour to ask of you three, though. It would please me if you spent your time here, however long, getting to know us, our customs, and our purpose, although I would be probably the best person to ask about that. It appears, as you can see, that many people want to destroy us and our leader and his companion, for reasons we know not. And if our leaders are killed, then it would help if you could speak on our behalf, especially if you know any of the attackers. And if our leaders manage to fight them off temporarily, then you will be able to leave, and I am sure they would like to meet you, and use you as intermediaries for the same purpose, if you will. Our situation is very precarious, and we need all the help we can get."
He pointed to a four story building on the west side of the square (they were on the south side), and said, "You have rooms at that inn, if you ask, the innkeeper will show you to our rooms. It is unfinished as yet, so it will not be painted yet etc., but it is free for you at the moment, so well... any questions?"
Posted by: Dude Man on Wednesday August 17th, 2005
Valos looked up at Zeros'. "What the devil is he doing?" He asked
"Beat's me." Duilin replied "Half the time I don't really understand what he's doing. I just watch him and wait for the outcome. I'm sure, he knows what he's doing."
"He's very odd." Valos said softly.
"I'll have to agree with you there." Duilin said "But the man's a hero, I don't think I'd be alive if it weren't for him."
"Hmmm." Rink rubbed his chin. "I senced a gateway portal..."
Posted by: Trent on Thursday August 18th, 2005
"We'll do what we can. Thank you." Zion bowed lightly to the man, and Xenai was already making his way toward the inn with a quick "Thanks."
Posted by: Xorlak on Thursday August 18th, 2005
Ven studied the blacksmiths for a moment. They were indeed making weapons... a lot of them...
"Hmm, yes I see... Just who is trying to attack you? Are you... vulnerable in this dimensional distortion?"
Ven hated to get sidetracked... Mavas is still out there... but he could sense the urgency in the man's eyes. Perhaps it would be best to stay and help them. He didn't see a clear way out of the rift, anyway...
----
Draven stood at the mast of the airship, his cape blowing wildly in the wind as the ship pierced through thick clouds. They had a ways to go, but it wouldn't be long now... His smirk was maniacal, if not devilish...
Ready or not, here I come...!
Posted by: Haraldur on Thursday August 18th, 2005
"Apparantly, those woh wish our destruction are predominantly the former comrades of our leader, Haraldur, the one made up of ten. Hence our tatoos. One, Lars Draven, is Emporer of the Crimson Empire, and former High General in the Dark Empire. Haraldur himself was a High General in the Dark Empire, and a governor, of the Northen territories. In fact, he had been there even before the Dark Empire's existance, in the ancient Azure, Blue and Green Empires, although there were several others. We do not know why the feud.
"Then there is a group including a half demon half angel called Zeros', and a half demon half human called Duilin, and an imp called Rink. In fact, your two friends were involved with that group quite a lot, sometimes at the same times as Haraldur was. Maybe they could answer any questions you may have. Apparantly, they also seem not to like our leader very much, and what is more, Haraldur himself does not seem to know why that is.
"It seems that mostly we are being attacked because of who our leader is, although, as I say, their emnity towards him he does not, and certainly do not, understand.
"Are we vulnerable. Apart from you, no. This is because it is absolutely impossible to enter at the place we came from, without killing our leaders first. I expect that is the point, he wants to protect us. I would have said it was absolutely impossible to enter, but for you, however, I have no expectation of anything similar happening again, so we are safe as long as our leaders live."
____________________________________________________________
Through the pond, they could see that there was a large force in the distance. It seemed to me mostly comprised of flying ships.
Haraldur grinned as the sight moved to be directly above the force. He picked up a stone from the ground, and skimmed it accross the pond.
____________________________________________________________
Down where the ships were, sudden craters suddenly appeared in the water, which then shot huge quantities of water upwards. There were five of them. The fourth one to appear (they were all in a straight line going in the same direction. What caused them was unseen) was directly underneath a ship, of medium size. It was knocked out of the air, and broken into splinters, before the wreckage was then sucked down into the deep.
There were some 5 survivors clinging to various barrels and tables.
____________________________________________________________
Haraldur smiled and then shouted into the pond, sticking head in, so that it was visible from the ships as a huge head floating in the sky, the size of a large cloud. His words were, "We regret to inform you the nation of Aspyes is not as yet open for visitors! Begone, trespassers, you have entered our territorial waters."
He lifted his head out again, water dripping from his face. The sight moved away from where his head had appeared, just in case.
Posted by: Dude Man on Thursday August 18th, 2005
"My god..." Marshal gasped as he saw the giant head.
"Territorial waters, eh?" Roland said "Well, I asure you if people listened to there enemies whenever they said 'be gone' then I don't think there would have been as many wars as there was today."
"They destoried one of the ships to." Marshal added "There seem to be gisers or something, controled by magic." He turned his head. The dragon the two were rideing on was near by Draven's ship. Marshal then yelled to him "Haraldur is allready defending!"
Posted by: Zeros' on Thursday August 18th, 2005
Zeros' right hand suddenly became enveloped in a dark aura, tendrils of darkness leaping off his hand. He reared his hand back and stabbed forwards with impossible speed. A sonic boom eminated from where his elbow was. As Zeros' hand reached a certain point in front of his body, his hands seemed to disappear suddnely, leaving only his low forearm visible.
Zeros' left hand also became enveloped in a dark area and he plunged stabbed in at the same place, another sonic booom reverberating around him. Zeros' wings flared out and his arms seemed to be shaking.
After a few, agonizing seconds, with a hefty roar, Zeros' hands suddenly appeared, along with a small hole, not bigger then an inch or two. His arms became twin pillars of dark flame. Dark power was thick in the air around him as violent sparks flew between his hands and the area he seemed to be pulling apart.
He streached the hole a couple more inches, his dark aura seemed to get darker as more tendrils leaked off his form.
Beyond the hole, a small glimpse of land could be seen off in the distance.
Posted by: Dude Man on Thursday August 18th, 2005
"Ah ha!" Duilin said realizeing what Zeros' was up to. "You created a portal. Uh, you did right?"
"Yes..." Valos mumbled "It appears that Haraldur has been hideing in another 'demenstion', or something to that effect."
Posted by: Haraldur on Friday August 19th, 2005
In front of Zeros', the fabric of reality was pinched off again, cutting off where he had prized himself into from the area to be defended. It would do this every time someone tried to enter. The warpin was so extreme that in the centre any mass would become a black hole, and would affect the dimension Zeros' was coming from as long as the hole stayed open.
The voice of Haraldur shouted, "Leave my followers out of this Zeros'. Whatever quarrel you might have with me, it certainly is nothing to do with them, so leave the innocent (of what crime?) alone." The sound would be deafening to a normal human.
______________________________________________________________
In the cut off dimension, there was a loud crack, like that of thunder. The man turned around and saw that one horison was glowing, and there was a hole. In front of it, a new horison lowered, covering it up, but not touching the ground, but the horison again, so the land would not be maimed by warped space.
"It appears people are already trying to attack us."
Posted by: Xorlak on Friday August 19th, 2005
"Back off. Back off."
The one remaining airship and the four sea ships turned to the opposite direction. The original plan cannot be comprimised. This is as far as they could go before Haraldur is distracted. One of the seabound ships stopped to fish out some survivors on the way. The low class mages began to collectively errect translucent shields around the ships.
Draven folded his arms, somewhat irritated. Now the wait begins...
----
Ven was not surprised at the mention of Draven. He had heard about the actions of this man... but Zeros'? The winged man he had met earlier? Those people with him? Ven nodded his head uncomfortably.
"Y-yes. Thank you."
Great. When he last talked to the group, they didn't seem too friendly towards Draven. Could they actually consider this Haraldur a bigger threat? Something didn't seem right... He wasn't about to trust the word of either side just yet...
Ven nodded politely and turned around, heading towards the newly built inn. He passed by Zion and Xenai, speaking softly:
"So, you guys know anything about this Haraldur guy? Looks like we ended up in his territory..."
He adjusted the strap on his guantlet as he passed, trying not to attract too much attention to the conversation.
Posted by: Zeros' on Friday August 19th, 2005
"Don't worry, Haraldur," he said softly, knowing the man could hear him, but not the others, "I'm not like Draven, I won't slaughter countless innocents to get what I want. If I need to, I will turn on Draven to protect your own civilian's, as they have done nothing yet. But, for you past actions against this beatiful planet, you must be punished," he spoke softly.
"If you come out now and we end this quickly, your people will be left with no harm, and I might even help reinforce the enchantments your put on your followers homes," he said, just as softly.
Zeros', also, sent a copy of this mental message to Rink, knowing he was the most logical of the others. Draven would slaughte everyone. Valos would follow Draven's lead, per Draven being the leader of the Crimson Empire. Duilin.. he wasn't sure. If Duilin allowed it, he could turn out like his father and fall into darkness and to never be returned..
He also sent an aditional message: Rink, if things get too hectic, I want you to concentrate on shielding the victims that can't shield themselves. They have no crimes on they're shoulders.
Posted by: Haraldur on Friday August 19th, 2005
"What past actions, against the planet itself? Are you referring to the continental rearrangement, as I like to call it? There is no way I could have stopped it if I tried, and you killing me will not bring those millions back. I did, granted, have the ability to control the details, and you will note that the most populous continent, the Dark Continent, was completely spared. What is more, I improved things in the long term. When the land rose back up again, you will notice that coastlines were longer with more natural harbours and peninsulas, and that the total landmass had increased. If you had not interfered, by calling in Gaia and rising some bits of land up (which then sunk anyway, how pointless), I would have had more control. Then the coastlines would have been even longer, and the soil even more fertile. The shape and ditribution of the continents would even be symmetrical, but unfortunately, you decided to become involved with something you did not understand.
"What is more, I performed several other essential services for this planet. I both prevented Alpha-Retan from gaining control of this world, and I did the same against my own father, Melkoth. And after that last act, you then proceed to threaten to attack me, which made me quite distressed, as you would realise if you remember my last words before completely fitting myself together, your emnity seemed quite sudden even then.
"I was not stupid enough, however, to completely get rid of myself. My friend, Nikola Tesla, a follower of mine of above average ability, then brought me back, by a method I will not describe to you. For I had other things to do, which involves my followers, who you also do not understand, nor do you understand my intentions, but you are still quite willing to assume that they are evil.
"So, unless you satisfactorily explain how I have done damage to the planet, I will not do as you request."
_________________________________________________________
Tesla stuck his Tesla coil into the pond, and turned it on. The pond became electrified.
_________________________________________________________
The sea now became totally electrified. The four ships on the sea now started to drift as the sailors within were electrocuted to death, due to the conducting properties of salt water. The ships then started to burn, sending the stench of burning corpses rising up to Draven's nostrils.
_________________________________________________________
Tesla saw that the coil had done as he intended, and withdrew it, as the carred remains of the seabound ships sunk.
Posted by: Trent on Friday August 19th, 2005
Zion's ears perked at the mention of Draven. Xenai stopped and whirled around. "Draven? Gah, I knew somethin' had to be done aobut him."
As the three continued to walk...
"Haraldur, I know very little about. It's been 5 years, I don't remember anything Zeros' said about him. Draven, though, I know plenty about. Even after such a long time."
Posted by: Dude Man on Friday August 19th, 2005
"This Haraldur is only giveing us more of a reason to destroy him!" Roland yelled
"Draven! We should act soon. Who the hell know's what he's going to do next?" Marshal yelled
-------
Rink replied to Zeros' message 'Yes, I supose his people are inocent. They have done nothing, yet Haraldur and Tesla have killed quite a few soilders allready, and also our friend The Prophet.'
"Come on!" Valos snapped getting impatient. "Soilders are being killed, let's finish Haraldur once and for all!"
"Yes, it will be a powerfull battle, but he's out numbered. I'm sure if any of his followers attack us they will be made short work of." Duilin added
"Just wait!" Rink snapped "Zeros' is negotiating with him.
"Screw negoations!" Valos yelled back "Let's kill!"
"Hey, hey, hey!" Duilin said "Calm down there soilder. Just let those two talk. Then we can get to fighting."
Posted by: Haraldur on Friday August 19th, 2005
A voice in air in the air which sounded like Haraldur appeared before Roland, shouting very loudly, "Are you suggesting that I do not have the right to defend the territory of the nation of Aspyes from what certainly looks like an invasion force? For shame! Would you allow an aggressive force open access through your territory? Not if you had a shred of intelligence."
Posted by: Xorlak on Saturday August 20th, 2005
Draven closed his eyes and sighed.
"Very well..."
His body lifted a few feet above the airship deck.
"Save who you can... then get out of my way..."
The airship commander nodded and the ship lowered, throwing down rope ladders to pick up survivors from the burning ships-- mostly mages who, failing to protect the ship, put their energy into protecting themselves. With the additional legion of mages aboard, at least the 1,000 soldiers aboard the airship would be difficult to subdue.
Draven was left floating in mid-air as the ship descended, and he stayed there for a moment.
"I had forgotten. But so have you..."
He brought his arms to his side and opened his eyes. A brilliant crimson explosion emanated from the man, painting the entire sky and sea a deep red. Wrapped in a huge ball of flame, he shot forward, a sonic boom pounding the eardrums of the frazzled survivors... He was now putting out a level of energy at least twice his largest display five years ago.
"Come out come out wherever you are..."
As he rocketed forward in super sonic flight over the ocean, he brought both hands to his sides. With this motion, the boiling sea below parted, vast waves souring in either direction several thousand feet high. These waves alone would be enough to destroy any seaside settlement within a thousand miles... But the partition continued, slamming all the way to the sandy sea floor, and even this was no match for this forceful rage... the sea floor parted as well, a deep chasm forming in the planet.
Draven shot in a straight line with his own form of destructive distortion. Himself the knife and the planet the butter...
----
Ven stopped mid stride, his mouth open about to respond...
The sky turned a crimson red and a continuous low rumble resonated through the ground, the newly built buildings creaking... Ven turned, facing the sky in the opposite direction, his heart racing...
Ven had fought Mavas many times, and due to that red pendant, accepted the fact that Mavas had a stronger magical aura than himself... But this one... though it was far away... this one was far greater than anything he had ever experienced and ever could have thought possible... and it was getting closer...
"D-Draven? This wouldn't be who you're talking about, now would it?!"
Posted by: Zeros' on Saturday August 20th, 2005
Zeros' smirked to himself at Haraldur's acusations.
"Ah.. You are quite right. But, even me and my friends are wrong with all out actions. You see, Haraldur, there is no good or evil. The world is a shade of gray. There are people with power and people without. It is how those people use that power is what makes them 'good' or 'evil', as they say.
The actions against the planet, as I said, what the exact actions you said, "..the coastlines would have been even longer, and the soil even more fertile.." You caused the deaths of plants, animals and people. With the reshaping of the planet, the tectonic plates moved themselves while grinding against each other, cauisng massive quakes. This, in chain reaction, caused builds to fall and forests to collapse, killing animals that inhabited the forest. And as the buildings fell, hundreds of thousands of people died, buried under the rubble of which they built.
And it is true that we can't bring back the people which are already dead. And Alpha-Retan? Pfft. Both you and I knew that either of us could kill him, even Draven could of with some difficulty.
Your actions against the planet? Killing millions. These include humans, monsters, fish, plants, birds, ect.," he said softly. He then smiled at nothing in particular. "Oh and Haraldur.. I could break through this barrier at any moment, but, as of yet, I don't feel like trying to reveal how much more powerful I had become," he said.
Posted by: Dude Man on Saturday August 20th, 2005
Roland narrowed his eyes. "Was he, talking to me?"
"I think so." Marshal replied.
"Well, I supose he's right. Besides, the Empire has caused some probloms with us in the past." Roland said. "And he dose have a reason to be scared, we have wiped out several savage forces. The Red Cyclops, The Ice Warriors, and the Hydra Skulls."
"Let's follow Draven!" Marshal subjested
"Um, yes. Let's." Roland replied. He then motioned for his soilders to follow. "Kill any of these, 'Aspyes' you see."
"Um, sir." Marshal said, tapping on Roland's shoulder. "Isn't that abit chaocic? I mean, shouldn't we see what they have? What if they are weak? Maybe we could negotiate? We are researchers not killers."
"Very well." Roland muttered "You herd him boys. Move!"
The flock of wyvern riders fleu off, towards the land of the Aspyes.
----
Valos unsheathed his sword. "What the hell is takeing him so bloody long?!"
Duilin unholsted his mace, and swung it up and down, patting his free hand with the bar.
Rink turned and spotted Draven and The Blue Minotaur heading towards there location. "Great. Things are gonna get messy..." He sent a message to Zeros'.
'Zeros', Draven is coming. I'll bet my wings that he going to slaughter tons of inocents if he gets to the island. We can defenatly trust the Minotaur, but not Draven.'
Posted by: Dippy on Saturday August 20th, 2005
...After a few days Jonny awakens from his slumber. He is in great pain. "Oww....My head...That Asshole! I'm gonna kill that man!" He runs toward an exit.*bang* he hits a bar. "Damit! A cage! Where am I? Hello!!" he begins yelling.
"Exelent...you have awaken' I knew you would. I payed a lot of money for you." The client says.
"Well who are you! Wait... Franky! You still mad about that?" Jonny remembers.
"What? About you convinceing my wife to become a nun, you puting your stolen goods in my house so the guards find it and evict me? Or... The letting me explore the seas with you only to trade me to savages for rum?!?" The client (Franky) replies angerly
"ohh... yeah... *chuckles* good times, good times." Jonny smerks
"Well I imployed an assasain, Xenai, I think it was Xenai, to bring you to me. Now you are up I will leave you in here to rot!" He leaves laghing.
"I'm gonna kill you Franky!" Jonny yells at him as he leaves.
Posted by: Zeros' on Sunday August 21st, 2005
Don't worry about Draven. He's not here.. yet. I will deal with him when the time comes.
Zeros' contacted Valos through a mental link: Valos, if you make any sudden moves towards my postion, I will strike you down where you stand. If I can negotate enough, it will be easier for us to strike down Haraldur and his empire. I know you know who I am. If you keep calm, I can finish these negotiations and we can obliterate Haraldur.
Posted by: Haraldur on Sunday August 21st, 2005
"What part of "there is no way I could have stopped it if I tried" do you not understand, Zeros'? Do you think I did it deliberately out of petty spite? No. I managed to control which areas were worst hit, and so millions died instead of billions, Zeros', billions. Are you obtuse, or deaf?"
A faint rumbling sound appeared.
"I have to go, someone is attacking."
____________________________________________________________
Haraldur was tugged at huge speed towards Draven, so fast the their relative velocity was nearing lightspeed, and their increased masses warped spacetime around them, and for them time slowed. Haraldur now was on a collision course with Draven, with two scissors katars in his hands.
____________________________________________________________
The land was tugged similarly to Haraldur, but towards the rift, very quickly arriving at where the invasion force was. Tesla was still there. The land collided with the invasion force, and caused a huge tsunami (which would only hit the invasion force and the south pole, no landmasses).
At the end, only 5 wyverns remained all else were dead, including the mages (the PCs do not die, unless they want to). Tesla left the aerial barrier and shot two of the wyverns out of the sky.
____________________________________________________________
The followers braced themselves.
Posted by: Xorlak on Sunday August 21st, 2005
(The invasion force was already reduced to a single airship, but I guess a huge tsunami could still catch it. Dude Man is entitled to defend his more skillful wyvern force if he decides to, though.)
As the airship fled, a massive wave rose higher than the ship itself and the flying ship disappeared under the depths...
----
"Ragnar! We've some negotiations to discuss!"
His voice boomed though the sky. A burning blade formed in Draven's right hand, which he brought before his head.
The two blazed toward each other head on, like two ballistic missiles. The crimson sky filled with black clouds and lighting struck once per second. As if the colossal waves were not enough, torrential winds blew across the ocean and the island that had just exited the rift. It was like the world was ending again... like five years ago...
If the two conflicting auras even neared each other, the resulting explosion from the collision would be tremendous...
----
Ven crouched on one knee as the insanity began, the sky suddenly changed, becoming a blur, before stopping. Like the town had moved to an entirely new location. The vibrations were now much worse and the sky was filled with lightning. He could see them... two points of light speeding towards each other...
Posted by: Zeros' on Sunday August 21st, 2005
Zeros' smiled faintly.
"No way you could of stopped it, eh? I seriously doubt that. Don't take me for a fool, Haraldur," he whispered to no one in particular. He swirled his cloak and reppeared behind the three others.
"Come," he said quietly. "The town is no longer here. It has moved, along with Haraldur," he finished and then, he was gone, his wings spread wide as he blasted forth with immense speed, breaking the sound barrier so easily. He kept speeding forwards, going as fast as Haraldur.
Seconds later, he reppeared near the barrier where the landmass had moved to. He flapped his wings and suddenly stopped so aburptly, a wave surged forwards. As the wave stopped, it seemed to be flowing down an invisible wall.
He looked around, and spotted Haraldur and Draven speeding towards each other. He decided to keep back and watch their fight...
Posted by: Dude Man on Monday August 22nd, 2005
"Arg!" Roland yelled "We lost men! Marshal, let's spread out more!" He commanded
"Yes, General." Marshal replied, he flue his wyvern 25 feet left, from Roland's position. They stoped about 35 feet away from were Draven and Haraldur met. Roland drew his sword. But Marshal signaled him to hold position, Roland nodded in agrement.
-----
"Hmmm." Valos pondered for a moment. "Duilin, we will follow Zeros', if you want. But I must show you something before our alliance is broken."
"Duilin, don't!" Rink warned "He's trying to suduct you, into evil!"
"No, I am merly going to show him the truth of his past." Valos said defencively
"We will worry about that latter." Duilin said sternly "We have to defeat Haraldur."
He then flapped his wings, and blasted on a firey aura, he looked at Rink.
The imp nodded and hopped onto Duilin's back, and grabbed onto his shoulders. Duilin is much faster then Rink, so it's best this way.
Valos, then nodded, and blasted on a dark purple aura. The two then flue off in Zeros' derection at great speed. (But not as fast as Zeros')
Posted by: Trent on Monday August 22nd, 2005
"Oh, shit... Just the guy we need to see. Draven."
"Yeah, it definitely feels like him."
Zion and Xenai watched as the chaos began.
Posted by: Haraldur on Monday August 22nd, 2005
There was a large sucking noise as the settlement renentered the universe in the little hole in the land. Tesla was floating above, and readied himself to defend it against all those who would attack.
He shot at the wyverns, hoping that they would either be hit, or leave.
Posted by: Xorlak on Monday August 22nd, 2005
The warriors came so close that their auras collided. A huge explosion burst forth, letting lose another series of waves and crating a crater at the sea floor... Haraldur was now within Draven's grasp...
"Hyah!!"
A quick flick of the arms brought his crimson blade above and to the right of his head, which he promptly brought downwards towards his opponent's neck in a spinning motion...
----
Ven watched the two points of light collide. The resulting explosion was blinding, and a huge wave developed under it. It came closer and closer... Ven braced himself. But the sky suddenly changed-- the town had entered the rift again, and the wave disappeared with the rest of the violence...
Ven turned to the others.
"We're in the middle of a war zone... we have to get out of here..."
He walked past Zion and Xenai, and behind the building that was supposed the be where they were going to stay. He wanted to see the "end" of this place. A magical wall? Some sort of drop-off? He wanted to see it for himself...
----
"Hey, there."
A shadow was floating behind Telsa. A red light emanating softly from his chest...
"Nice trick..."
He was referring to how the town just got sucked up into another dimension.
"Did you do that yourself, or did someone else...?"
Posted by: Haraldur on Monday August 22nd, 2005
With the katar in his left hand, Haraldur caught the blade of crimson. Because of their relative velocity, the katar then slid towards Draven's fingers as Haraldur's motion was now going along the line of the blade. The scissors katar in his right hand now came stabbing towards Draven's undefended stomach, to slice open inside him if it hit.
_____________________________________________________________
//Er... Xorlak, the settlement has just reentered the universe, not left it.//
Tesla pointed his ray gun at the stranger.
"Who are you?"
Posted by: Trent on Tuesday August 23rd, 2005
Zion and Xenai followed Ven.
"Without Eternity Weapon and Zero Weapon, we can't hope to take on such a huge force," said Zion. "There's too many of them, too much going on."
Posted by: Xorlak on Tuesday August 23rd, 2005
Draven continued the spin just enough turn to the right and push off from Haraldur's blade that was touching his own. Haraldur's other blade skimmed the armor on his left side and bore a hole through his cape, which tore completely through as he completed his turn.
Draven was now to the left of Haraldur, facing him and flying backwards. With both hands, he launched his crimson blade at his foe, sending it spinning though the air like a saw blade...
----
Ven stopped and turned around.
"Eternity and Zero Weapons...? I've heard of these... You know how to... control such giant mechanical beasts?"
He folded his arms thoughtfully.
"Hundreds of years ago, my kingdom used to use such things for war. But no one knows how to operate them now, so they are sealed underground. I'm not sure if they are similar to the ones you are talking about, but I can show them to you. If we can find a way out of here, that is..."
----
(Yes, that's what I meant. Ven saw what was going on outside right before the settlement re-entered. Telsa did not enter the dimension because he's defending against the wyverns, correct? Or did he enter with the settlement and is shooting at wyverns that entered as well. Heh, confusing... I'll wait for you to clarify, since what Mavas does depends on it.)
Posted by: Haraldur on Tuesday August 23rd, 2005
//He was always outside the settlement. Before the settlement reappeared, he went above the rift to defend it once it rematerialised.//
With a twitch of his fingers, Haraldur warped the space in the empty dimension, not breathing, because of the lack of air, but not needing to. Due to the warping of the spacetime, the spinning blade seemed to disapper in a fold in spacetime, before returning spinning towards Draven, at increased speed.
He then held the warp and fold in space-time, him being able to feel it as if it were solid, as a meterial thing. He swung it around his head and threw it towards Draven. Through the warp, Draven's image warped and stretched, and similar things would happen to Haraldur's image from Draven's point of view. The warp caught up with the flaming sword, going towards Draven now in many-pointed pain, as the blades replicated themselves and bent.
Due to the lack of air, and so sound, Haraldur telepathed this message to Draven, How disappointed Retan would be. He was so much more subtle than you...
Posted by: Trent on Tuesday August 23rd, 2005
"Yeah... It's been 5 years since we last called them out. At that time, we had to sacrifice them to restore the planet."
"So you got stuff like 'em, eh? Alrighty, then. We could give 'em a shot. But how ta get outta here...?" Xenai looked around, trying to find a way out. "Um. Um. We should destroy something really big."
"Um, no. Think harder."
"It might work!"
Posted by: Zeros' on Tuesday August 23rd, 2005
Zeros' carefully unsheathed his katana and flipped the blade over in his hands a few times. The blade came to life and transformed into it's holy form. Fur replaced the handguard and the sword grew in width and height, but not in length.
//It's hoyl form is basically easier for minipulating magic. Demon form is easier for manipulating ki. It's normal form is balanaced for both.\\
The sword glowed in a soft, pulsing light. He brought his right arm up and slashed quickly down. His sword hummed through the air and a small split formed in front of him.
---
Near Ven, Xenai and Zion, the same type of rift appeared in front of them.
//Instead of destroying the barrier, he bipasted it by making his own tear in dimension.\\
Posted by: Dude Man on Tuesday August 23rd, 2005
"Fall back!" Roland ordered. The wyverns and the riders then flue back, approxmently 20 yards. Roland and his dragon only went back ten or so yards.
"What do we do?" Marshal called out
"Find out who's shooting at us!" Roland ordered
Marshal looked up and spotted Tesla "It's him! But it looks like he just wants us to stay away from that area. I bet he is guarding Haraldur's demention, or something." Marshal examin's him "He seems quite strong, if we want to get the demention then we'll have to get one of the stronger ones, to get rid of him."
"I don't think that would be wise." Roland replied "If we get in, Haraldur may follow, and he will kill all of us."
"Maybe this attack wasn't the best idea." Marshal sighed
"Heh, no shit..." Duilin said, over hearing there conversation.
"Zeros' made a tear in the dimension!" Valos grinned "Perhaps we can get in, and *ahem* capture the Aspyes. They may have no commited any crimes, but they will!"
"Let's not worry about that, let's worry about Haraldur." Duilin replied
"Lord Draven, can worry about him. Draven, will defenatly be able to defeat him." Valos snapped back
"I hope so..." Duilin sighed
"I don't." Rink said softly, not loud enough for most people to hear.
Posted by: Zeros' on Wednesday August 24th, 2005
Zeros' sheathed his sword with a flourish and turned to Valos.
"If you kill any innocents, alliance or not, I will elimante you, myself. While you may have no qualms about killing innocents, I do," he said calmly. Then, without waiting for a reply, he stuck just his head into the dimensional rift.
---
On the other side of the rift, Zeros' disembodied head appeared.
"Ah. I thought I felt you three around here," he said, spotting the three that were unfourtently, stuck in Haraldur's nation. "Come now. Just step through here and you'll be teleported outside this town. Be warned, though, the other end pops out over the ocean," he said and his head disappeared from the rift.
Posted by: Haraldur on Wednesday August 24th, 2005
Tesla saw the wyverns fall back, and nodded to himself.
He moved his hands as if juggling and some words began to form in the air for the wyvern riders to read. They read:
Greetings. I, Nikola Tesla, and currently defending this area. However, should you wish to negotiate, always a possibility in this situation, then we may be able to talk, although we will not be giving up any territory, nor military capability. Nor will we be handing any people over, for whatever reason. However, it is preferable to death, and we do have a new and relatively undamaged conference room.
_____________________________________________________________
The man ran towards the cut as it appeared, and overheard Zeros'.
"Indeed, you are free to come and go as you please. However, we would like to know the stranger's name first. As a precautionary measure."
People were gathering around the rip, waiting to see if the person who had cut into here was friend or foe. They suspected the latter, because this method of entry could be no accident.
Posted by: Dude Man on Wednesday August 24th, 2005
"Negotiate eh?" Roland grunted "Marshal! Go negotiate him, we may be able to come to a peacefull agreement and end this pointless war." He comanded
"Um, me? Yes sir." Marshal nodded, and flue his wyvern closer to Tesla. "I only wish to speak to you Nikola. Is it okay if I ask you a few questions?"
---
"I don't see what the big deal is, with killing them. They ARE a threat, if they have the power of Haraldur, then who knows what they will do!" Valos snapped back to Zeros'
"Valos! Listen they haven't done anything yet." Rink said sternly
"But they could! And they will!" Valos yelled at the Imp "Duilin? Don't you agree? I belive you saw what Haraldur did five years ago..."
"I...I don't...I don't know..." Duilin groaned
Rink made an angry look at Valos. "Valos, just shut the hell up and don't try anything. You herd Zeros'!"
Valos crossed his arms and muttered a few words to himself. He looked at Haraldur and Draven duel.
Duilin, just stared blankly at water below him. He looked at his reflection, he tuned out the sounds of Draven and Haraldur fighting, and Roland yelling and ordering around his soilders.
Rink, breathed deeply. He seemed quite scared that Duilin might turn out like his father. Valos, started to notice this.
Valos was quite confused, why an Imp seems so desperate to stop this. Why would a creation of Qor, not want another minion of evil to be gained?
Posted by: Xorlak on Wednesday August 24th, 2005
Draven, on the other hand, was breathing heavily, for the aura of flame around him contained within it a limited supply of air. The conglomeration of distortion was approaching him faster than he was flying backwards. He brought both arms to his sides at full length, then quickly clasped his hands in front of his chest. At the same time an external force hit the oncoming distortion from both sides, squeezing the whole area, blades and all, until it was nearly paper thin, frozen in front of him. Draven stopped with the distortion, holding it in place.
"Subtlety, my friend, can be a disappointment in itself..."
He obviously did not allow it to show, but this was a bad thing... a very bad thing... He did not expect his foe to use dimensional distortions as a method of attack. Even contained, flames from his aura seemed to be pulled into what was now a glowing slit before him...
----
The shadow folded his arms, and read the words above, although from his point of view they would were backwards. He seemed to whisper into Telsa's ear, though he was several feet behind him.
"Ah, Mr. Telsa. You may refer to me as Mavas. I ask if you are the one who shielded that town, or if someone else did it, for you see, there are some people that belong to me within its walls..."
The ruby gem glowed dimly, but Mavas would be difficult to see to anyone not particularly close... He backed away a bit as Marshal approached.
----
"Zeros'...."
Ven stared at the rift for a second before realizing he just gave the name of one of their enemies. He glanced at the other men.
"Uh..."
He scratched his head in thought for a second.
"Right... well, if you have a message you would like us to give to him or something, we'll do it. But we must leave now..."
Posted by: Haraldur on Wednesday August 24th, 2005
Haraldur held his left hand out, and the distortion there seemed to be absolutely colossal. A potted plant, a rare orchid, was resting in his hand, with a beautiful purple shade. It floated away from his hand. He sent a message to Draven, Look, see, for he creates wonders from empty space, without having to take away. In his right hand, an identical flower appeared, but of antimatter, And look, see, for he can create its opposite, without taking away. Then he threw them both at a point a few metres in front of Draven, where they met. Their total mass was approximately two kilograms. E = mc^2. E = 2 x 9 x 10^16, E = 1.8 x 10^17 kg m^2 s^-2. Energy comparable to an atomic bomb was released. It then disappeared. And look, see, for he has the power to annihilate, without the release of energy.
Do not be sad, the flowers would have died anyway, due to the lack of atmosphere.
He then stared at Draven, waiting for his reaction.
________________________________________________________________
"Well, Mavas, slavery is something we do not tolerate in Aspyes, if that is what you mean. Regardless, you cannot enter, we are currently at war."
Tesla turned to Marshal, he said, "Not until you call off the attack, making sure noone attacks, noone at all, and then you give me your personal assurances. Then you may ask questions."
________________________________________________________________
"Stop!" the man said, as the other started pointing various projectile weapons towards the group. "We would first like to ask a question of Zeros', who we know we have no chance of defeating by ourselves, why are he and others attacking us. That is a question we would very much like answered, promptly."
Posted by: Zeros' on Wednesday August 24th, 2005
"I'll be right back," he said, but left a parting message with Duilin, "Duilin, it doesn't matter what Haraldur has done. What have the innocents in the nation done? Other then being assossciated with Haraldur, they have done no crime. What about a man that comes home from work to greet his wife and children. What of a son who works all day to care for his sick father?
Would you kill these people because of who they assossciate? If that was so, you would of been dead long ago for assossciating with the Dark Empire and Retan," he said before he fully stepped through the rift.
---
Zeros' reppeared through the rift and looked around at the people curiously.
"You may anwser and question you want. I will anwser it to the best of my ability," he said calmly.
Posted by: Dude Man on Wednesday August 24th, 2005
Duilin pondered about what Zeros' said, the final part seemed most convinceing. "Valos...they have done nothing..." Duilin said calmly "Do not attack the innocents." He said the final part abit more sternly, he then looked back down.
"Hmmm..." Valos rubbed his chin
Rink smiled. "There ya go."
Marhsal pondered abit. "Well, perhaps...If you and Haraldur are the only foe of this battle then perhaps I shall call of the troops. I'll have to ask the others." He then looked at Rink and the others. "I shall return, in one moment."
He flue his wyvern down to Duilin, Valos and Rink's position.
"Ah! Marshal." Rink smiled as he saw him.
"Oh, so the summoner has brought his army." Valos hissed
"Um, yes. I belive I can bring this to a peacefull negotiation!" Marshal grinned. "But, Tesla will only negotiate if I call of the forces, yet what if it is a trap? Do they have more?"
"No accually. Apparently, this 'army' is non-existint." Duilin explained "They are all inocents, they pose no threat. There is no need for an army. What we have here is enough."
Marshal grinned again "Ah excellent. Hopefully I can end this peacefully then." He then flies his wyvern back to Roland's position. "He want's you to leave. There is no army. But thanks for the help sir."
"What no army? But you said there was?" Roland barked
"Apparently. The army is non other then a group of innocents. They are mearly followers of Haraldur."
"Well aren't they dangerous? If they follow Haraldur then won't they attempt world dommination or something?"
"No, they won't. They are all harmless people. Like the commeners on the street."
"Well killing innocents is not what Blue Minotaur wants to get an image of. Very well. You herd him boys! Marshal will negotate, and attempt to bring peace." Roland and the group of wyvern riders then flue off, back to mainland.
Marshal flue back up to Tesla. "It has been done. Now shall we talk?"
Posted by: Haraldur on Wednesday August 24th, 2005
"Why are you and others attacking us?" said the man.
______________________________________________________________
"Indeed," said Tesla, leading him down to a palatial looking building a way off from the main part of the settlement. Inside, some object, such as vases, had smashed, but the building itself was in quite good condition.
Tesla arrived at a small table and sat down on one side.
"You said you had questions, which you may ask, but first, why did you and others attack us?"
Posted by: Dippy on Wednesday August 24th, 2005
Jonny woke up in his cell a day later and hears a squeaking sound."whoa, whats that, go away!" Jonny rants still half asleep. "Wait I know that squeak! Bongo!" He realizes. Bongo runs over to the cell door and he sits at attention. "Bongo, get the key, the shiney!" Jonny says to bongo with a smile. Bongo leaps on the table across from the door and grabs the shiney key and brings it to Jonny. "Yes! Thanks Bongo you're the best monkey!" Jonny says as he grabs the key. He unlocks the door and opens it. Bongo immediately hops onto Jonnys shoulder as he walks to a wepon locker. "Yeess..."Jonny says as he grabs his shotgun a gold and dimond incrusted rapier with the name Frank Gozwell on the handle (it probobly belongs to franky.) and he puts an expencive looking pistol in the the empty holster on his belt. "Here Bongo." Jonny says as he hands him a small dagger.(Bongo gives an impish little grin.)
He walks down the empty halls of Frank's manor untill he comes to a door that seems to be occupied and has light coming from the crack at the bottom. "Frank! Are you in there!" Jonny says.
"What! How did you... Uhh... Shit!" Franky runs to the door and bolt locks it.
Jonny smashes at it with a nearby wood cutting hatchet untill a hole opens in the side. "Heeeres Jonny!" He yells as he sticks his shotgun in the hole and fires until he hears a scream. He then walks away to the exit door.
Posted by: Zeros' on Thursday August 25th, 2005
Zeros' looks around at the people carefully. Around, there were all types of people. There were some young, some old, some sick, some poor. He could even here the sounds of small children playing nearby, though, they were protected by a barrier of some sorts.
"Yes. I'm quite sorry about that... You see... Myself and your leader, or as you refer to him, Haraldur, haven't exactly been on the... best of terms. But, when I found out only Haraldur and Tesla were trained, I've decided to back out of the battle. Now, only if you attack one of my friends or myself, only then shall I retaliate. I take no pleasure in killing the innocents," he said calmly.
Posted by: Dude Man on Thursday August 25th, 2005
Ah, well..." Marshal began "When I met Zeros' and his group, they told me that they once knew Haraldur. I wanted to join them, merely to gain knowledge of these legendary people...in hope to become one. I herd that Haraldur nearly destroied the world, and he went from continent killing people and destroing the land. So, when I saw Haraldur run off with other people, that he resucued from the Crimpson Empire, we assumed that he must be building up an army, to try something like what he did before again. So, we allied with the Crimpson Empire. We thought that you and Haraldur were a much greater threat to the world. Haraldur did nearly end the world."
Posted by: Xorlak on Thursday August 25th, 2005
Draven brought his arms before his face and felt himself hurdled backwards at great speed. After the massive blast subsided, he was perhaps over a thousand feet farther away from Haraldur. To be caught is such a massive explosion was an exhilarating ride...
"Tch! The things we find we are able to do when we get a glimpse of the beyond..."
So he wants to show off does he?!?!
Draven extended his left hand towards the turbulent sea below, and opened his palm. Likewise, he extended his right hand towards the sky in a similar matter. His aura was flaring and his eyes burned crimson...
"This may sting a bit..."
----
"My my, a rude one this is..."
Rather than pursue the fellow, Mavas decided to keep his distance and observe. It was then that a huge explosion lit the sky behind him. What a fine amount of chaos Ven has discovered!
----
Ven found himself relieved that Zeros' had appeared, for the villagers seemed to be getting restless. Zeros' seemed to be getting all of their attention. Ven glanced at Zion and Xenai and then the portal. He began to side step toward the dimensional rift. Hey, he wasn't doing any good standing around here, now was he?
Posted by: Haraldur on Friday August 26th, 2005
//Draven, I thoguth we were still in the cut off dimension, and nowhere near where everyone else is?//
Posted by: Xorlak on Friday August 26th, 2005
(I'm imagining a sort of sphere of distortion around where they were, in which nuclear-scale explosions and the like might be partially visible to outsiders... perhaps? ... No? Heh...)
Very quickly, Draven brought his arms together in front of him, clasping his hands. A flash of crimson erupted below Haraldur, and a geyser of molten lava spewed skyward along with much rocky debris. At the same time, a flaming meteor appeared overhead, some 500 feet in diameter, hurdling downwards at the same target...
----
Ven evaded suspicion in his sidesteps and arrived at the portal behind Zeros'. He quickly stepped in.
"Wait, he said... over the... sea...?!?!"
He found himself in thin air spiraling downwards over a very turbulent black ocean. He collected himself and, at the last second, thrust his right hand at the water. A blue-white flash froze the water in a five foot radius and he clutched to this flotsam as the waves tossed him about.
"Beautiful..."
Posted by: Dude Man on Friday August 26th, 2005
Duilin spotted Ven falling out of the portal and freeze the water below him. "Hey, is that Ven?"
"That it is." Rink replied, he thought that he would be here.
"Ven? Who is this Ven?" Valos asked
"Some guy we met in River Town." Duilin answered "He had a problom, but we couldn't help him because of Haraldur." He then lowered himself several feet hovering above the water, lightly flapping his wings. "Nice, day for a little rafting, eh?" Duilin laughed "I wondered what happened to you. Need a hand?"
Posted by: Haraldur on Saturday August 27th, 2005
Tesla said, "So basically, you took for absolute truth the word of people you hardly know what they said about someone you have never met, without checking it out first? So basically, this was an unprovoked attack."
_________________________________________________________
Haraldur moved backwards, allowing the meteor and the lava to meet, throwing shreds of lava all over the place, to float forever through space.
A small distortion of spacetime appeared in his fingers, which he lightly threw towards Draven. This would suck up all heat in the surrounding area. It was also heat seeking.
Posted by: Xorlak on Saturday August 27th, 2005
This little dimension of his is bad news...
Draven remained motionless as hundreds of balls of molten lava and rock spewed past, for none were on a collision course with him. He was breathing too heavily. Now that Haraldur was distracted would be a good time to catch a breath of fresh air.
Draven closed his eyes so that he might sense the fibres of this distortion around him. It was not like a whole new dimension he was in, but rather an artificial one created within the real world... he found the spot, and sped off diagonally upwards, smashing through a floating chunk of rock on the way. He brought his right hand above his head, from which grew a long blade of flame like an extension of his arm. He slashed at the empty space, and a slit became visible in the dimensional fabric. The hole tore open as a blast of air came rushing into the vacuum...
On the opposite side, a hole in the sky appeared, which became a sort of vortex, sucking air into it, for there was no air on the other side.
----
Ven struggled to stand up, but was knocked to his knees by a large wave.
"Yes, actually, if you know the where some solid ground is, that would be nice."
He was then slammed to his stomach by another wave as the ice raft began to sink...
Posted by: Dude Man on Saturday August 27th, 2005
Duilin quickly grabbed Ven, as the ice raft sank.
"We gotta find some land." Duilin said to the others
"Hmm..." Rink looked around the area, he then spotted a small clump of land. "There's some land over there." He pointed
"Ha ha." Valos laughed
"What's so funny?" Rink asked
"Oh, nothing it's just that there happens to be this small island, that nobody noticed untill now." Valos replied, chuckled abit after that.
"Right..." Rink, rubbed his brow.
Duilin then flapped his wings, and then sored off to the small island, and placed Ven down. The others followed. Duilin sat down a foot from Ven. Valos stood by the shore, and crossed his arms. Rink, sat in a tree, and casted a small flame, and held it in his hand, and looked in it.
"I'm haveing the strangest fealing of deja vu." Rink said.
"So, Ven. You were in Haraldur's demention? What did you see in it?" Duilin asked.
-----
"Err well..." Marshal said stumped for abit. "Well, it's just that we, the Blue Minotaur, are recorders of Legends. And well, the near end of the world five years ago, was recorded as one. I've read about it alot, I was fascinated by the power of these people and well, when I saw them, I trusted them." He paused for a moment "I know it sounds silly...but when I was young I wanted to become a hero of some sort, you know save the world?" He then sighed. "But you know, I'm starting to think I've been wrong about you people. I'm mean, I think it was abit silly for me to aid with the Crimpson Empire, I mean, they are very evil people. I'm not to sure about Haraldur however, I mean he killed all those people. Didn't he?"
Posted by: Xorlak on Sunday August 28th, 2005
Ven removed the soaking wet cloak around his armor and began to wring it out. It was a heavy material that seemed to resist moisture well, but it worked better in the rain, rather than tidal waves...
"It was odd... it was some sort of village. All the inhabitants were preparing for war, yet they were very calm and prepared, refined even. They seemed to be genuinely confused as to why they were being attacked, and named Zeros' and you fellows and Draven of the Crimson Empire as their attackers."
He unfurled the cloak and shook it out.
"To be honest, I don't have the slightest clue what is going on either..."
Posted by: Dude Man on Sunday August 28th, 2005
"Haraldur, nearly ended the world five years ago." Duilin explained, he looked off into the horizion. "He helped us with an issue we had, involveing a few weapons, terribley long story..." Duilin started to remember a few terrible images, piles of corpses all over the courtyard of the Romme Castle, and dead bodies paveing the cave wall of a hideout, the corpes of Iduran. He shuddered and shook his head rapidly. He stood up and faced the other way.
"Yeah, I was there for some of it..." Rink said "Haraldur, helped the guys find a bunch of weapons, they were parts of him or something, um yes he's combined between a few people and a bunch of weapons. After he was 'complete' he then starting burning villages and destroing continents, yet he did defeat a very big and ugly dragon."
"That would have been interesting to see." Valos said blankly, he really seemed to be getting bored.
"Well, enough talk about the past." Duilin said, turning around "Ven, how did you get into the demention?"
Posted by: Zeros' on Monday August 29th, 2005
Zeros' looked around and smiled.
"Well, it seems that my time is done here," he said, turning his back to Haraldur's followers. "I wish you all in good health," he said and simply stepped forwards and... disappeared.
---
Seconds later, Zeros' appeared behind the group without a sound. He crossed his arms and leaned against a tree, carefully masking his presence and listened in on their conversation.
Posted by: Dude Man on Monday August 29th, 2005
Rink noticed Zeros' but said nothing.
Posted by: Haraldur on Monday August 29th, 2005
Tesla stared at him, and said, "A tangled web of assumptions, lies and half-truths is not a good motive. This is especially so because none of you have complete understanding of the events of five years ago."
______________________________________________________________
Haraldur remained motionless as he watched Draven go.
He thought to himself: It is imperitive that he is killed. Not just removed from power, but killed. Like all oppressed peoples, surely his subjects are ripe for revolt? It would need just a nudge, but not from me. They would not regard me as a messiah, with my reputation. But someone else? Who?
Posted by: Xorlak on Monday August 29th, 2005
Draven exited the rift, letting the air pierce his aura. It was cold, but fresh air none-the-less. He turned, flying backwards, and extended his palm towards the open portal. A ball of concentrated red energy appeared before it, which he would launch as soon as he saw any movement from the opening...
Up in the sky, he was now in plain view of those on the island.
----
Ven replaced the damp black cloak around his silver armor.
"We were chasing Mavas when a portal appeared, which took us to some sort of labyrinth. There was a fight with some sort of dragon, an explosion, and we found ourselves in that village... Hey! They're still in there! Zion and that other fellow. I didn't catch his name. The two that were helping me out..."
He turned and squinted to see the slit that he came through still up in the sky.
Posted by: Zeros' on Monday August 29th, 2005
Unknown to Ven, the rift Zeros' had opened was still active, and waiting for Zion and Xenai to step through.
Posted by: Dude Man on Monday August 29th, 2005
"Lies? I assure you, the legends are not lies, they perhaps may have beem inacurate. I admit it was abit foolish, but I trusted those people on there word, because they have proven to the world that they are trustworthy, I saw them help out a man in need, and save an entire village from pirates." Marshal said. "Haraldur, killed people in revenge that dosen't sound very trusting, dose it?"
-------
Valos looked up to were the slit was. He then saw Draven in the sky. "Ah ha. I assume he might have defeated Haraldur."
"I don't think so." Duilin said "Haraldur, is just....You just can't kill him."
"So, Zion and somebody else, is still in there?" Rink asked "Must, be um, Xenia or something."
"One would assume." Duilin replied. He then looked up in the sky at Draven, and then turned away, and walked nearer to the middle of the tiny island.
Valos, turned and followed Duilin. "That story, you were talking about. The one about the wepons. I recall, a Darion going on that mission."
Duilin's eyes lit up. "Those people, are the one responsible for my family's death."
"But not your father. He left before the attack?" Valos said.
"Yes. Darion slaughtered my mother, and brothers and sisters. My father ran off before. Nex, told me that he wanted me to live, so I can become a full demon...for some reason...And you know why, he wants me to become a ruler...of hell?"
"Perhaps...He means you no harm...You have nothing to loose...And you can obtain great power" Valos says
Duilin gives Valos a dirty look "Bastard...You think you know everything about me. You think I like being like this? You think I just sorta woke up one day and said 'Hey maybe I'll go learn how to shoot fireballs and and grow ugly wings'. It's people like YOU who made me like this."
"You would have never lived and many others would have died. Nevina would have died on the island if it wasn't for you demonic said. It was the DEMON who saved your friends in need, it was the DEMON who defeated Nex, killed an entity clone, sliced off a head of Alpha Retan."
"How the hell do you know so much about my past?" Duilin asked
"Oh, the word has been spread around." Valos said.
"You're just a werid strange little man aren't you." Duilin sighed and then spoke louder enough for more people to hear. "Is this alliance over yet!?"
Posted by: Dippy on Monday August 29th, 2005
As Jonny leaves the house he sees that it is near a dock with a boat docked on it that as the words "Lil' Billy's" on the side. He remembers the name from a tavern he used to go to, it was an alcohol delivery ship! "Score! Bongo we are so stealing this one!" Jonny looks at Bongo as he smiles in agreement.
After a few minutes they were on the ship and undocking it. "Bongo, I got the wheel, you go down and get me some rum!" Jonny runs to the wheel of the ship as Bongo finds his way into the storage area. After a few minutes the ship was ready to go and they set sail toward the Crimson Empire Base.
Posted by: Trent on Monday August 29th, 2005
//Internet died. Sorry. <img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sleep.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sleep.gif' />
"Whaddya say? We goin' in?"
"Oh, for Gaia's sake, you know we are."
And they went in. And dropped. Xenai poked his head out. "Piece of shit!!!" Followed by Zion. They then looked around.
Posted by: Zeros' on Monday August 29th, 2005
As Zion and Xenai stepped through the rift, a loud pop echoed across the ocean as the rift sealed itself, on both sides.
Posted by: Xorlak on Tuesday August 30th, 2005
Draven continued flying backwards with his arm pointed at the rift... nothing...
"Fine. Stay in there and pout."
Having flown quite a distance away, he noticed the small island and the group of warriors resting on it, particularly Zeros'. Dispersing his fireball, he turned and blasted his way towards it, his red aura rocketing over Zion and Xenai in the process.
He shouted, to Zeros' in particular.
"It seems our roles in this mission became reversed. I take it you took care of the other half?"
----
Ven gazed at the bright crimson aura of Draven as he rapidly approached.
"So... he is with you guys..."
Ven folded his arms underneath his cloak as the Crimson Emperor passed overhead, trying to look casual and appear to know what was going on, though he still didn't, really... He had heard both great and awful things about this man, and thought it best to believe the later, and keep his distance. At least for now...
Posted by: Dude Man on Tuesday August 30th, 2005
"Just for the time he is." Rink explained to Ven.
Duilin stared at Draven. "Have fun with Haraldur?" He asked, not expecting an answer.
"Wellcome back Lord Draven..." Valos nodded
Rink telepathed a message to Zeros'. 'Best say that you did take care of the other half. If he belives they are out of the way he won't try and kill them all himself.'
Posted by: Trent on Tuesday August 30th, 2005
Zion and Xenai rubbed their heads, looking around.
"This is just great..." Zion looked up, seeing Draven.
Posted by: Zeros' on Wednesday August 31st, 2005
Zeros' stepped out from behind and trees, his arms still folded, and eyes still closed.
"Yes. I took care of the other half of the mission. The only problems we now have to deal with are Tesla and Haraldur, himself. Why do you ask?" he said, his eyes still closed.
He telepathed a message to Ven and Duilin: Don't worry about Draven. He want's to know if I... slaughtered the innocents inside of Haraldur's nation, which you should know I did not. Fear not, for, I will never do something so horendious.
Posted by: Xorlak on Wednesday August 31st, 2005
Draven smirked.
"Excellent. Then let us take care of the big one first. He's in that rift back there. Just watch out for his space distortion spells... Quickly now!"
He turned and blazed off in the direction he came.
----
Ven knew where the telepathic message came from, and nodded in Zeros' direction from some distance away. It seemed to be all coming together now. At least the 'whats' rather than the 'whys'...
He adjusted the strap on his right gauntlet.
"Listen. If you folks need a hand in your battle here, I'm more than willing to lend you a hand. I seem to have lost Mavas for the moment, anyway."
----
"Heh..."
Posted by: Dude Man on Wednesday August 31st, 2005
"Well, sure." Duilin said to Ven. He then turned to Zeros' "He can't fly however...But..."
Valos took a small glance at the others, and then flue off following Draven, not far behind.
Duilin then flapped his wings jumped into the air, and took flight in Draven's direction.
Rink, blue out the flame in his hand. "Marshal went to negotiate with Tesla." He told Zeros'. "Hopefully, he will be okay. But the Prophet did say, to watch out for people with that symbol."
Posted by: Trent on Wednesday August 31st, 2005
//I know I shouldn't have skimmed, but I did after getting my internet back. Sorry. <img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tongue.gif' />
Zion and Xenai made their way toward Ven, still able to feel his unique ki signature. Upon getting there, they looked to see who or what was around. If they were actually already there by him, they'd realize it soon enough and Zion would respond to him with, "Our battle? I'm not fully briefed on the thing yet, but help would be nice... Where's Zeros'? Surely he's involved."
Posted by: Xorlak on Thursday September 1st, 2005
Draven approached the vortex-like rift, his aura burning brightly again. He brought both arms to his sides, fists clenched, as he waited for the others to arrive.
"Ready?"
(Haraldur, let us know if he's still in there. Or if you can't post at the moment, we'll assume he just got away.)
----
Ven smiled at Zion and Xenai.
"Glad to see you guys. Yeah, I don't have much of a clue what this war is all about either, but it beats just standing around."
He removed his blade and swung it in the air, then pointed it at to Zeros' behind him and to the right, who was leaning against a tree several yards away.
"Zeros' is right over there."
Ven walked towards the island's shore while replacing his blade, looking up at the fighters that just flew away.
"I never got a handle on this levitation thing, but lets try this..."
He pointed his right hand at the water. A blue flash of light emanated from it, freezing a patch of sea like before. A second flash created a sort of raised portion at the front and sides of the ice. Ven jumped on board this new and improved ice raft, grabbing on to the waist-high projection on front with his left hand.
"Just might work..."
He pointed his right hand towards the back of the raft, from which an intense blast of wind came forth, sending the raft out into the ocean at high speeds. Despite looking rather ridiculous-- a heavily armored black cloaked man with a sword strapped across his back surfing through the waves on a jet-ski built of ice, he felt he had accomplished something as he sped towards the flying warriors.
Posted by: Zeros' on Thursday September 1st, 2005
Zeros' mearly shrugged. Then, he disappeared with a small shimmer. He reappeared in the air, heading towards the directions of the others.
Posted by: Trent on Thursday September 1st, 2005
Zion was about to ask Zeros' what the crap what was going on, but grumbled as he vanished. The duo came out of the water, released their wings and took off in the direction the others were headed.
Posted by: Xorlak on Friday September 2nd, 2005
Draven blasted into the vortex and disappeared for a few seconds...
Then the portal began to close and he reemerged from it, appearing back outside before it became too small. He clenched his fist as it disappeared behind him and the others arrived.
"Blast it! He's gone..."
Draven folded his arms as he floated where the rift was, his aura dimmed a bit as he tried to detect his adversary's energy signal... Nothing...
"Probably skipped to another one of his side dimensions... the coward..."
----
Ven arrived below on his ice jet ski spell/thing. He was getting the hang of it, but he heard the commotion above.
"Must have lost him. This is the leader of those people in that town, right?"
He said it more as a thought to himself, since he was likely to be too far away for anyone to hear, with the waves and all.
Posted by: Dude Man on Friday September 2nd, 2005
"Dang..." Valos sighed. "Don't supose we can travel to the demention he's hidden in."
Rink crossed his arms. "I'm sure he'll turn up soon..."
"Perhaps he turned off his aura." Duilin said "Wouldn't that make him indectecable?"
Posted by: Zeros' on Friday September 2nd, 2005
Zeros' stopped behind Valos, Duilin and Rink silently.
"We could travel to his dimension... But, I can't sense his aura. Therefore, I cannot located what dimension he's in. There are millions of possiblities of where we would appear. We might appear a thousand years into the future, or, we could travel two years into the past. Another posibility, is, we could travel to a dimension where Retan was never defeated... There are so many posibilites that the chance of find Haraldur is astronomical," he said.
Suddenly, his hands flew into a series of seals too fast to see. He thrust his hand at the water, his hands glowing with a bright white flame, and suddenly, the raging sea calmed. Now, it was still.
Posted by: Trent on Friday September 2nd, 2005
And the two caught up.
"What the hell are you doin'?" to Zeros.
Posted by: Zeros' on Saturday September 3rd, 2005
Zeros' turned his head and looked at the two.
"What's your question, Zion and Xenai?" he said.
Posted by: Haraldur on Saturday September 3rd, 2005
//I apologise for not posting, but I temporarily lost internet.//
Tesla said, "Inaccurate legends? I will accept that. You may now ask your questions."
______________________________________________________________
Haraldur had cut open a slit in the fabric of that dimension's reality, and arrived back in the dimension of Gaian, in the settlement. Some residents bowed to him as he passed. He sensed Tesla's presence, and that of another, in the conference room. He entered it.
______________________________________________________________
"Good morning, Tesla," he said.
Tesla bowed. Haraldur turned to Marshal, "I do not believe we have had the pleasure? Your name? I am sure you already know mine, you being obviously a member of Blue Minotaur."
Around Haraldur was a field suppressing the auras of everyone in the settlement.
Posted by: Xorlak on Saturday September 3rd, 2005
Draven's aura disappeared.
"Hmph. He'll likely try and strike back at me, since none of you have countries of your own. I'm going to return to my capital. We shall continue this the next time he shows his face... In the meantime, you may enter my empire freely, for I have shown my generals images of you, and they will not attack. Just don't do anything they might view as suspicious..."
He turned and began to fly westward, back to the Crimson Capital.
----
Ven leaned on the ice, listening intently to those above. Luckily the waters were much calmer now. It looks like the battle had been averted, for now... Maybe he could use this time to get a few more answers... or maybe he should continue looking for what he was in the first place...
----
Draven raced through the sky, the wind in his face. The sky had regained its blue color after the intense battle, and it was almost nice. Almost...
"My my, what a lively one you are..."
Draven stopped immediately in mid air, and addressed the shadow that was now floating before him...
"What did you say? Do you wish to die?"
Mavas appeared in full view now, the pendant ruby around his neck beating a crimson light. He held his right hand to his chin, and the other at his hip.
"Heh heh heh... death? What is death, exactly...?"
"I'll take that as a yes."
Draven extended his right hand, pointing his index finger at the man's head. A brilliant red light appeared at the tip of his gloved finger.
Mavas began to laugh. He threw both arms outwards to his sides.
Before Draven could execute his attack, hundreds of white points of light appeared around him. They began to shoot inwards towards him, reforming their shapes into the images of knives. Drave clenched his extended right fist (and the red light within it) and brought his left hand out from under his cape, which made his cape spread out behind him, snaping his hand outwards and then to the sky as if he were batting away a single ball of energy. All of the knives immediately ricocheted off of a sort of invisible barrier and disintegrated...
Posted by: Dude Man on Saturday September 3rd, 2005
Marshal looked at Haraldur. It was amazeing to see him in person, he was slightly frightened, yet he didn't seem so evil. "Marshal Royle..." He replied to Haraldur. "Yes, I am indeed a member of The Blue Minotaur. I have read many legends, includeing ones about you, and the others. I wish to ask you a few things." He paused for a moment and then continued "Friends of mine, have reason to belive you are a threat to the world. They have told me, you nearly destroied it five years ago, and now you return. You appear to be, in no dought, up to something. May, I know what is exactly your operation?"
------
"Zeros'?" Duilin asked "Would you be able to sence Marshal? I know he is not very strong, yet summoning creatures is a powerfull talent."
"Well, if he can't sence Haraldur how the hell can he sence Marshule, or whatever the hell is name is?" Valos asked
Posted by: Trent on Sunday September 4th, 2005
Zion looked down again at the sea. "Exactly what he said... What are you doing?"
Xenai grumbled. "I feel Draven's energy. It's fluctuatin', as if he was fightin'. I feel that freaky guy with the gem, too."
"What?!"
Posted by: Xorlak on Sunday September 4th, 2005
"Heh heh heh HA HA HA HAAH!!"
Mavas thrust his right hand towards Draven, sending a dozen orbs of black energy at the man. Draven waited until the last second, then his aura exploded from his body, sending the orbs spiraling into the sea below.
"Little hint: Laugh when you're winning."
"Heh heh heh... perfect! You shall be mine!!"
Mavas drew his jagged sword and began to dash madly at Draven. Again Draven didn't move, this time bringing his right hand before him, unveiling the bright crimson energy at the tip of his finger he had stored before. An intense red laser shot forth very quickly, which seemed to pass through Mavas' right shoulder. It was over in less than a second...
"Gaahh..."
Mavas lost speed, then lifelessly dropped from the sky, splashing into the sea...
Draven eyed the body as it fell.
"Idiot."
Draven's aura disappeared and he continued flying towards his capital, not really caring what that was all about...
----
Ven stared at the western horizon.
"Mavas... no..."
He cast the wind spell behind him, and directed the ice-raft in the direction Draven flew...
Posted by: Zeros' on Sunday September 4th, 2005
Zeros' shook his head.
"Marshal's aura is undetectiable. It's quite possible Haraldur might have cast some spell to make everyone's auras around him undetectiable," he said, before he turned towards Zion," As for what I'm doing.. I'm trying to help destroy, or at least, expell Haraldur from the planet and this demension.. forever," he said.
Posted by: Dude Man on Monday September 5th, 2005
"Were the bloody hell is he off to?" Valos asked as he saw Ven ride off
Duilin watched him as he left "Hey, you be carefull now!" He warned
Rink seemed interested when Zeros' told them his plan. "Expell Haraldur from this demention, eh? You know you can do WAY to many different things..." He laughed
"It won't work..." Duilin sighed "He'll be able to sence that you're doing it." He said to Zeros' "But it is worth a try...But it might put us in danger..."
"God, this 'senceing' shit is annoying." Valos groaned.
"Well you can do it to, right?" Duilin said
"Yes, but...don't talk to me about magic. I remember refuseing to use it..." Valos said, as if begining something, but then stopped, and realize that he might accually be bonding with his enemies. He rapidly shook his head and crossed his arms and then seemed to lay back abit. His hair flew back abit revealing his tatto on his forehead, of the talon makeing a cut on flesh.
Duilin looked at it, reminding himself, that he was but a spawn of evil, destined for damnation.
Posted by: Xorlak on Monday September 5th, 2005
Ven turned around and waved at Duilin, shouting back:
"Don't worry about it!"
He continued onward...
----
"Mwa hah hah hah haaah...."
The calm sea began to churn. Bubbles rose from the depths...
Then, it was like a guyser that burst forth from the ocean. The waves parted around him, repelled by the intense heat. The man who rose from the waters... looked... like... Draven...
But he was overall darker in appearance, and his burning crimson aura was laced with black, and of course there was the red pendant... Just as he had copied Zion, Mavas was emulating Draven, and his powers...
"So good of you to give me a taste. Now I shall take the rest!! Heh heh heh hah hah HA HA HA HAAH!!!!"
His dark-crimson aura exploded, and Draven-Mavas blazed through the sky after his target...
----
It was like a flash-- very sudden...
Draven stopped in mid-air, turning to find a shadowy replica of himself stopping before him...
"What in blazes are you...?"
Posted by: Trent on Monday September 5th, 2005
"Zion, let's MOVE!!!" And Xenai took off in that direction.
"..." And Zion followed.
Posted by: Zeros' on Monday September 5th, 2005
"It is possible to expell Haraldur from this dimension, but it will take almost all of my power.. which is, quite alot.." he mumbled under his breath. He looked in the direction Draven flew off and stared.
"Well, it seem Draven might have his hands full," he said. He shrugged and took off in that direction, at a slow, steady pace.
Posted by: Xorlak on Tuesday September 6th, 2005
The two similar burning figures stood in the air motionless.
"Answer! You dare mock me?"
The dark false Draven responded in a similar, yet slightly lower distorted voice:
"Heh heh heh heh..."
Draven extended his right arm, a bright red orb appearing before it. Like a cannon he fired the orb at the false foe, who responded with an identical attack. The two orbs collided in between the two, lighting up the sky in a brilliant explosion. Draven-Mavas suddenly appeared through the smoke from the explosion, dashing at his opponent, a burning crimson blade laced with black in his right hand...
Draven evaded the horizontal slash with a sort of jump (although he was already floating in mid air), then landed a well timed kick from his right boot to his opponent's face. This caused Draven-Mavas to loose his balance for only a second, recovering with a spin and a vertical slash, top to bottom.
By this time Draven had pulled his own crimson blade out of thin air and met his opponent's darker blade with it, the recoil from the flaming swords colliding sending the two adversaries flying backwards some five feet each.
Both recovered at the same time and began dashing towards each other, Draven with a look of irritation in his face, and Draven-Mavas with an evil smirk that more resembled Draven's natural visage... What happened next was too quick for the average human eye to see... They began to sword fight at super speeds, each resulting block of a burning blade sending a shockwave rippling through the air and thrashing the waves below...
Posted by: Zeros' on Tuesday September 6th, 2005
Zeros' stopped and observed the battle from about 50 yeards away, not at all affect by any of the shockwaves.
He was mildly impressived with Mavas's ability to copy peoples attacks. He knew of other beings that could do it, but it was more complete.. more refined. The people who he fought like Mavas were able to copy attacks and use them in seconds as if, they'd been using them for years.
He suddenly stared and shook his head. He had to observe more of the battle to be absoluetly sure of his assumption. . .
Posted by: Dude Man on Tuesday September 6th, 2005
Duilin spread his wings, as did Rink, the two of them zoomed off to Draven's location, followed by Valos. Duilin was flying quite faster then the two, yet Valos caught up, leaveing Rink abit behind. They arived...
"What the hell?" Duilin asked seeing the two Draven's fight
"Two of them?" Valos asked, not beliveing what he is seeing.
"And, I thought one was more then enough..." Duilin groaned
Rink narrowed his eyes, and rubbed and blinked them a few times. "Yeah, that's is two Draven's fighting each other."
"I've gotta bad fealing about this..." Duilin muttered as he crossed his arms.
Posted by: Trent on Tuesday September 6th, 2005
And the duo showed up. "Damn, they're fast!"
--- --- ---
Tsu was steadily, slowly flying away, but he then sensed the commotion occuring. He looked off thataway. "Holy crap..." And he took off toward it.
--- --- ---
Aura looked up, seeing Tsu flying at full speed. "What's he doing?" And she once more began to follow stealthily, yet quickly.
Posted by: Haraldur on Wednesday September 7th, 2005
Haraldur said, "Because of my involvement, the world had no chance of being destroyed, but it probably would have were it not for my intervention. You may notice how the Dark Continent, the most populated, was almost completely spared, and how most of the landmasses now have longer coastlines: those are the fruits of my intervention, the lives of billions saved. If Zeros' had not interfered with something he does not understand, the continents would have longer coastlines, and would even be symmetrical and symmetrically arranged. You probably have not noticed, but the sunken remains of Aritan sank further, and so sparing landmasses still above the water, because of my intervention. Yes, millions died, but not billions.
"As for my current intentions, I do not want to reveal them yet, but in the short term they are towards increasing the quality of life for my followers, and my wish at the moment is for Aspyes to be left alone."
Posted by: Xorlak on Wednesday September 7th, 2005
The two danced about the sky trading blows for a few seconds before an explosive hit knocked them away from each other once again. Draven neared the waves below, his aura pushing them away as he came to a stop in mid air.
Draven-Mavas cackled manically...
"Hehehehe.. the power!! I must have more! MORE!!"
Draven dispersed his crimson blade as he brought both arms fully extended to his sides.
"Come get it."
Draven-Mavas began a dash at blazing speeds, bringing his own burning blade above his head, ready to slice his opponent in half. He blazed through the sky, parting the waves below. Draven remained motionless... until the very last instant.
As the imposter began to bring his blade down, Draven shifted to the right and fell backwards, sending his right foot skyward and connecting with Mavas' chin. The massive kick was like an explosive spring recoil, and Mavas flew skyward a good 100 feet in a second.
Draven now brought his outstretched arms before him, having gathered the required energy, and let loose a thick column of super concentrated flame at the flying impostor, the very shockwave from this blast vaporizing a 500 foot radious half-sphere of water below him and painting the sky a blazing crimson red...
----
Ven brought his gauntlet before his face to shield his eyes from the light.
"Blast it, Mavas... If he keeps on unlocking secrets from that pendant..."
He ducked down on the ice raft to steady himself, as the waves were becoming large once again...
Posted by: Zeros' on Wednesday September 7th, 2005
Zeros' suddenly moved. He knew what would happen if Mavas got hit by the attack..
He ghosted from view and reappeared in front of the column of super concentrated flames. He brought out his sword, and it appeared in it's holy form. The thick, white mane of angel hair was briskly wiped back and forth. His blade glowing a with a bright, white flame, the edges danced with raven-black.
He brought his sword down swiftly, intercepting the super-heated flames. The column was split directly in half, none of the flaming remains hitting anyone, including Mavas.
Draven, you fool He said into Draven's mind. As much as I'd like to see you killed, we don't need another manaic running around with your powers! Anything new you throw at Mavas.. he'll copy it. He yelled mentally.
Posted by: Dude Man on Wednesday September 7th, 2005
"What the devil is he doing!?" Valos yelled at, as Zeros' stopped Draven's attack.
Duilin reconized that laugh from the battle at the docks. "That, must be Mavas. Ven's brother...He must have the abblity to copy people's attacks, as well as there image..."
"Well then why dosen't Zeros' let Draven kill him?" Valos asked
"Because, then, Mavas would use that attack aswell..." Rink said, merely makeing an educated guess. "If not, then I supose it's because Ven dosen't want Mavas killed."
"Why not?"
"Because, there is this strange amulet that is makeing him like this. Anyone who touches it, becomes power crazy and insane...Ven's trying to save him, not kill him." Duilin responded
Valos shrugged "If my brother went insane and tried to kill him, I would destroy him."
"I take it you're an only child..." Duilin sighed
Posted by: Xorlak on Thursday September 8th, 2005
Draven glared at Zeros', but then realized what he said made sense...
"Hmph, so I see... Very well, there are other ways..."
Draven cracked his knuckles and began to fly up and around Zeros'. He didn't need magic to rid himself of this impostor...
Draven-Mavas continued flying higher from the blow, finally regaining control with a flip in the air and began to descend slowly. His crimson aura was diminished somewhat. He held his chin with his left hand, but still chuckled uncontrollably through the pain...
"Huh huh huh heh..."
He extended his right hand towards Zeros', who had his back to him, and a dark aura engulfed him. The same darkness began to form around Zeros'...
Posted by: Zeros' on Thursday September 8th, 2005
Zeros' mearly turned around and smiled serenly at Mavas. It seemed uncanny in the middle of a battle. The black aura around him surged and then blinked out of existance.
"So.. Trying to copy my attacks now, are you? Well then, I'll just have to fix that," he said, and then, he was gone. He reppeared behind Mavas. "Copying attacks, form, posture.. It's remarkable. But, you can't copy speed, power and intelligence," he said. Then, he struck out directly towards the middle of Mavas's back, not using any sort of form.. just a straight punch that any basic human/demon or angelic being would know.
But, the power and speed he put behind it, his fist litterly couldn't be seen. The shockwaves rippled around him with such power, waves flared up so high, the bottom of the sea could be seen. His punch held enough power to total thirty or more tanks.. without effort or stopping.
Posted by: Dude Man on Thursday September 8th, 2005
"Hmmm, you seem to accually have good intentions." Marshal said to Haraldur. "We will leave to Aspyes alone, but you must promise me, that you will harm no innocents, I do not care if you attack the Crimpson Empire. Perhaps, the Blue Minotaur and the Aspyes could coexist with each other?" Marshal asked of him
Posted by: Haraldur on Thursday September 8th, 2005
"Perhaps, but nothing will stop me from obliterating the Crimson Empire once we are in a better position."
A murmering arose from the crowd outside, but the words became audible as the words to a song:
Arise, ye workers from your slumber,
Arise, ye prisoners of want.
For reason in revolt now thunders,
and at last ends the age of cant!
Away with all your superstitions,
Servile masses, arise, arise!
We'll change henceforth the old tradition,
And spurn the dust to win the prize!
So comrades, come rally,
And the last fight let us face.
The Internationale,
Unites the human race.
So comrades, come rally,
And the last fight let us face.
The Internationale,
Unites the human race.
No more deluded by reaction,
On tyrants only we'll make war!
The soldiers too will take strike action,
They'll break ranks and fight no more!
And if those cannibals keep trying,
To sacrifice us to their pride,
They soon shall hear the bullets flying,
We'll shoot the generals on our own side.
So comrades, come rally,
And the last fight let us face.
The Internationale,
Unites the human race.
So comrades, come rally,
And the last fight let us face.
The Internationale,
Unites the human race.
No saviour from on high delivers,
No faith have we in prince or peer.
Our own right hand the chains must shiver,
Chains of hatred, greed and fear.
E'er the thieves will out with their booty,
And give to all a happier lot.
Each at the forge must do their duty,
And we'll strike while the iron is hot.
So comrades, come rally,
And the last fight let us face.
The Internationale,
Unites the human race.
So comrades, come rally,
And the last fight let us face.
The Internationale,
Unites the human race.
During the second verse, Haraldur said, "Bullets are a type of ammunition we use in some of our newest weapons, and these weapons are much more powerful than bullet using slings, I can assure you."
Posted by: Xorlak on Friday September 9th, 2005
Zeros' punch shot straight through Mavas... but he was only a shadow... The image dispersed like smoke.
"Heh heh heh... copying... it's not quite that simple, my friend..."
It was Mavas' original voice. The black shadow with the red core formed behind Zeros'. It was Mavas' true form. By this time Draven was rapidly approaching his left side.
"I've learned much from you two... heh heh... you're next..."
He shot down towards the sea below.
"’Till we meet again!"
Draven curved, shooting down after him.
"I think not!"
Mavas plunked down into the water and Draven stopped short, gritting his teeth. He brought both hands before him and quickly spread them to his sides. The waves below parted deeply in response. He was trying to take out the water from beneath the submerged Mavas. He tried again and again, but couldn't find him...
"Blast it!"
He flied low over the water, searching for the impostor, heading in the direction of his empire’s mainland...
----
Ven could see the red beacon clearly under the waves. It was like a signal meant only for him. He slipped away during the commotion, following the light towards the Crimson Empire as he propelled his ice raft.
Posted by: Zeros' on Friday September 9th, 2005
Zeros' rubbed his chin.
"Well.. This is getting interesting," he murmured, before slowly flying after Draven.
Posted by: Dude Man on Friday September 9th, 2005
Valos unsheathed his sword, and followed Draven. "If that, thing comes near the mainland, I'll vertically bisect that freak!" He said thoughly
Duilin, flew beside Zeros', followed by Rink. "I wonder how Marshal's doing, in Haraldur's demention." Rink said lowly
"Oh, probabbly good. Haraldur's probabbly trying to purswade him or something..." Duilin replied
-----
"Yes...I belive I understand. Is it simular to shotguns?" Marshal asked. "But, it appears that you infact DO have a military. Yet, if you only if to defeat the Crimpson Empire, then I supose you can be left alone by us. Yet I fear the others, may aid Draven. They are good people, that Zeros' dose seem like a very heroic character. I don't wish to see them be defeated, perhaps you should try and make peace with them? I could tell them you mean to world no harm." He subjested
Posted by: Yammy on Friday September 9th, 2005
"Hm...I wonder who they can be...I do so hope they have something valuable with them!" exclaimed Yamvy to himself, refering to the multitude of people flying, or at least they looked like people, Yamvy was rather far away. A cloud of mist conceaked this young Illusionist from view.
"They look like they may be chasing each other, maybe I should stay out of this mess...or maybe not!" laughed Yamvy evilly as he broke through his fog concealment, gripping his Fooled Staff tightly, and darted after his targets!
Posted by: Trent on Friday September 9th, 2005
Of course the duo would commence to follow Zeros'. But as they started, Tsu caught up. They turned around. "Well hello there, Mr. Pro Swordsman. Are we rich now?"
"No, Xenai. Not rich at all. Still poor of the most important thing..."
Aura watched from a distance. "Hm." She backed up, and started to run in place, getting faster and faster. And she was off, running over the water! She was fast and light on her feet.
"What most important thing?" asked Zion.
"Maybe that important thing right there following us." Xenai pointed to Aura.
Tsu looked back at her, his eyes widening. "Damnit!!!"
Posted by: Yammy on Friday September 9th, 2005
"HA HA HA!!!!" laughed Yamvy as his pace started speeding up...or was it an illusion. Then suddenly hordes of Yamvy illusions started surrounding the quick-flying people...whom were to Yamvy as his brand new victims!
Posted by: Dude Man on Friday September 9th, 2005
"What the hell!?" Duilin yelled, his most common question
"He must be an illusionist!" Valos said.
"This might be a very expected question but, What one is real?" Rink asked
Valos narrowed his eyes, and glared. He swung his large sword at one of the illusions. "Fight me you coward!"
Duilin make a small smirk "This is gonna be a peice of cake!" he, focused his magic and then began forming a large orb of lightning...
Rink began, fireing fireballs at the illusions rapidly, hopeing to hit the correct one.
Posted by: Zeros' on Saturday September 10th, 2005
Zeros' mearly stared at the illusions.
"I don't know why you are wasting your breath. If he's an illusionist, obviously, he won't fight for himself. He let's his illusions confuse his opponents and then, he strikes," he said casually. He batted a few illusions that got too close, seemingly bored.
Posted by: Haraldur on Saturday September 10th, 2005
"They are similar to shotguns, yes, but are more effective at longer range. The more recent ones can shoot many bullets in quick succession.
"We are a revolutionary society, an intellectual one also. We aim to destroy the various aristocracies on this world, and the bourgeoise under them."
Posted by: Xorlak on Saturday September 10th, 2005
(Great. Haraldur's a communist. Heh...)
The cloudy sky over the jagged eastern peaks at the edge of the Dark Continent lit up in red as Draven flew over, landing on one of the taller gray rock formations. His burning red aura disappeared. Immediately two dark wyvern riders appeared from the mist, one on either side, and landed next to their ruler, bowing deeply.
"The villain Ragnar has been dealt a humiliating defeat, yet still remains a threat. Double security at the boarders and keep all fortresses vigilant. Also... there is an impostor in the area... a shape-shifter of some sort with some kind of glowing red pendant. You deliver this message to North Point, and you report to Bandervil."
Both of the dark warriors saluted by making a fist with their right hands and positioning their arms across their chests, responding at the same time:
"Yes, my lord."
They parted ways, one flying northwest and the other southwest. Draven lifted into the sky, a dim red aura forming around him once more, and began to blaze towards the west...
Posted by: Yammy on Saturday September 10th, 2005
Suddenly, all of the Yamvy copies disappeared.
"Wow! I hope you had a lot of fun smashing some holograms? Would you like to smash more?!" asked Yamvy with a snicker. His voice seemed to echo from every direction. Then a waterspout started forming right under Valos...
Posted by: Dude Man on Saturday September 10th, 2005
Valos, saw the water blast from under him. He castest an ice spell freezeing the water. He then swung his sword at the ice, with dark magic flowing threw the blade aiding the swing. The ice smashed into millions of peices, makeing a hailly mist all around. He sent a telepathic message to the others. 'Let's go.' He then blasted off towards north, clouded by the mist, so Yamvy wouldn't be able to see. Duilin and Rink flew off to. The three landed near the Dark Continent...
Posted by: Zeros' on Sunday September 11th, 2005
Zeros' shrugs and followed Valos and the others.
Posted by: Xorlak on Sunday September 11th, 2005
Pearched on high jagged peaks above, dark warriors recognized the officer Valos as he lead Duilin and the others in their direction.
"Who are they?"
"They are part of the alliance against Ragnar. Lord Draven wishes that they be left alone. Unless, of course..."
"Of course..."
They nodded in agreement under their visors, and continued to observe from afar.
----
Ven had lost the red beacon some time ago, but continued following in the direction in which it went. The sky was cloudy here, and it seemed darker... and colder...
After much travel through the sea on his melting raft of ice, he finally could see the gray jagged peaks before him...
"The Dark Continent..."
The remains of the ice raft gently floated to the rocky shore and he jumped off. Before him was an incredibly steep wall of mountains that stretched as far as the eye could see either way, down both sides of the shore. He sighed and adjusted his gauntlet, then began to trudge upards, along a rocky path...
Posted by: Yammy on Sunday September 11th, 2005
"Fools!" laughed Yamvy, as he sat on a chair of mist high in the sky. He'd been watching the battle all along from there.
"They are quite good, I may wish to give chase...later on, but not now of course!" shouted Yamvy evilly, drinking a glass of non-existing wine.
Posted by: Dude Man on Sunday September 11th, 2005
Valos stepped threw the main gate, rubbing off a few ice chunks from his clothing. The others followed. "Duilin..." Valos said to him. "I wish to speak with you later. Rest awile, first." He then walked off into the keep.
Duilin shook his wings, and then folded them down. "I wonder what he wants to talk about..."
"I wouldn't trust him. Infact I don't trust this alliance." Rink sighed
"Well, we need to defeat Haraldur, he's cooking up something really sick, I bet..." Duilin replied. He walked around, a few soilders glared at him, wile others turned away. He then spotted a fimilar face. A large black man, was sitting down at a wooden chair sharping his axe on a rotateing weal. The man looked at him and narrowed his eyes. "I remember you..." He said. "I met you and your friends at your old village."
"Darak?" Duilin asked, beliveing he remembers the man.
"Ha ha! So you remember me? I couldn't possible forget you...I see you are also with, that multi winged one...Zeros'..." Darak replied
"Yeah. As you probabbly know, that Haraldur guy, is planning something bad. Bad for all of us..."
"Yes, Haraldur I remember him. He was overly cruel to my soilders, they were just doing there job."
"Well, it's good to see you're still alive...I guess.."
"Hahah! Yes, yes...thank you...I guess." Darak laughed and then turned away and went back to sharpening his axe.
-------
"Well, then I supose that would lead into, oh, world domination then?" Marshal replied. "First you try and fix the world, and now you are trying to rule it. What makes you belive that the people of the world should follow you?"
Posted by: Haraldur on Sunday September 11th, 2005
"I merely act as the regular army, for the most part. Given that this is a revolutionary society, the army takes a lead. I did found this organisation, but after the revolution is over, rule would be based on those most competent. Besides, I will be leaving after this is successful.
"In the mean time, they will follow me. It is only logical. Howevr, I intend to have leadership through admiration, not fear, and so far I have been successful in that regard."
Posted by: Yammy on Sunday September 11th, 2005
Suddenly a figure in dark cloaks approached Darak and asked,
"I believe you are Mr. Darak, may I ask you a question?" Before Darak had time to answer, the figure interrupted.
"Do you enjoy illusions?" asked the figure again, more cheerfully as he through his cloak off, revealing...
Posted by: Zeros' on Monday September 12th, 2005
Zeros' looked over towards Darak and looked at the cloaked man. He walked up behind the cloaked man and greeted Darak.
"Hello again, Darak," he said casually. Darak looked at Zeros' strangely, before turned back towards the cloaked man. Zeros' turned towards him, and, "accidently", his right arm went towards him.
Posted by: Xorlak on Monday September 12th, 2005
(I take it Zeros', Duilin, and co. returned to the capital city, correct? Just to clarify, Ven landed somewhere else, more southwards.)
As Ven continued up the rugged path, he was suddenly knocked to his knees by an intense blast of wind from above. A large figure swooped overhead. Ven moved to one knee as the large scaly talons of a black wyvern landed some five feet before him. The thing was some 15 feet long from head to tail. Perched atop was a fully armored man, his head invisible behind his mask. Suddenly, the tip of a long halberd was inches from Ven's face.
"WHO ARE YOU?"
"... A traveler... I'm... I'm just looking for someone."
"THE EMPEROR DOES NOT TAKE KINDLY TO STRANGERS..."
Ven rethought his strategy.
"... I am part of the alliance with Lord Draven against Haraldur..."
"... HARALDUR... YOU MEAN RAGNAR... VERY WELL..."
The wyvern sent another blast of wind towards Ven with its wings as it lifted skyward. Ven stood up and watched the beast and rider as they nearly disappeared in the thick black clouds above, rejoining two other similar wyvern riders in the distance... boarder patrol...
Ven continued on. After a half hour or so of rough climbing, he reached the summit of one of the many gray peaks. Along the path below, which was mostly down hill, he could see the lights of a small village. The only beacon in this dismal land...
Posted by: Trent on Monday September 12th, 2005
//I need to come by here more often. x_x
Zion, Xenai, and Tsu are wherever Zeros' is. x_x Aura is nearby, but is hiding.
"Where did she go?" asked Tsu, more to himself.
"An admirer?" asked Zion.
"No, a victim of obsession that hates me."
Aura peeked out. "..." She then quietly left. She had no idea why, but she felt an urge building within her to destroy the man. She didn't hate him that much! But she had to find some way to do it! That Crimson Empire she's been hearing about. Perfect. She'll join it...
Posted by: Xorlak on Tuesday September 13th, 2005
Ven had traveled briefly though the Crimson Empire before, so he knew it was a dismal place, but this area was more so. It was a vast continent and he had never been to these reaches, anyway. Of course, he had been halfway around the world chasing Mavas, so what's the difference?
He approached the wooden walls of the village, several torches lining them. The ground was mostly barren. Certainly this isn't a farming community. The gates were wide open, and he entered.
A few villagers were walking about tending to their business, but the town wasn't exactly bustling. A few soldiers eyed him from the tops of the walls, and one from a point near the open gate. He approached this soldier, bowing his head politely.
"Excuse me sir, I was wondering if you've seen a man in black armor..."
The black armored soldier looked at a group of other soldiers in black armor. At that same moment, a group of three haggard mercenary type fellows, all also in black armor, passed behind Ven and continued into the town. The soldier looked at Ven as if he were an idiot.
"Uhh... I mean... A man wearing a red pendant. It glows in a sort of pulsating fashion..."
The soldier mearly shook his head "no".
"Uhh... okay. Well, thank you."
Ven continued walking into the center of the village. Obviously Mavas was out of his reach once more... in addition to being in a place where he fit in quite nicely...
Posted by: Dude Man on Wednesday September 14th, 2005
//Zeros' did you attack Darak or Yamvy? And FYI Yammy, Darak is an NPC that I made in Chapter four, but I decieded to have him come back, just for fun. Anyone can control him, just I'll choose if it's okay if he dies.//
Duilin turned his head, and saw the cloaked man. "What the hell!?" Duilin ran at him. Duilin turned to one soilder "Somebody's here!" He said to him. Saying that reminded him of when he was with the Dark Empire. The entire alliance reminded him of his old military days. He dashed a few yards toward him, and blasted a lightning bolt at Yamvy.
Rink seeing the comotion flue over atop on a near by building, and pearched down and observed what was going on. "Hmm, it appears we have a psycopathic murderer on our tail..." He said softly to himself not loud enough for anyone to hear.
-----
Marshal rubbed his chin. "Hmmm..." Marshal thought. "So, from what I am understanding from this, you plan to bring the world to peace by haveing one big war? I really find no reason for this. The world is fine how it is from my point of view."
Posted by: Haraldur on Wednesday September 14th, 2005
"From what I understand, the Blue Minotaur is not exactly suffering hardship. The upper classes of the Dark Empire do not suffer hardship either: they are the priveleged few, who exploit and oppress those under them. The proletariat, the peasants, are my followers. Some of them are here, but most are not.
"Also, do not confuse war and revolution: war is the struggle between two groups of the priveleged, a revolution is a struggle of the oppressed against their oppressors. I plan to bring equality and high quality of life to all, and then leave (although they can recall me later, should they wish).
"The world is fine from your point of view, because you have not experienced it from the point of view of those who are poor."
Posted by: Zeros' on Wednesday September 14th, 2005
//I was going after the Cloaked man.\\
Posted by: Xorlak on Thursday September 15th, 2005
"What is the meaning of this?"
The soldier drew his sword. It seemed out of nowhere, a group of some twenty heavily armed soldiers amassed (for the capital city is quite infested with them) and surrounded Duilin, the cloaked man, and the others. A higher ranking lieutenant stepped out before the others, and yelled at Duilin (since he was seen performing the attack).
"We will have no acts of violence in the city by non authorized personnel."
They were interrupted at that moment, by a voice...
It was coming from a large orb positioned at the tip of a pole in the center of a square at the end of the cobblestone street they were on. The orb was suspended high above so that it may be visible to large crowds of passerbyers. It became evident that there were many orbs like this scattered throughout the city.
Visible in the orb was an old man, neatly dressed with a braided white beard. He had a certain priestly nature about him. He spoke, his voice transmitted through the orb:
"Citizens of the Crimson Empire! Our glorious Emperor has defeated the evil Ragnar and his nation of outlaws."
Some cheers and clapping emanated from the bystanders. The transmission continued:
"But, our Emperor bids us caution! For the evil Ragnar remains still at large!"
The image of the old man faded, and a new one appeared-- it was a still image of Haraldur, except he looked a bit more haggard, his eyes were more slanted, and he had a ridiculously exaggerated evil grin on his face.
"This is him! The one who tried to destroy the world five years ago! He is plotting to destroy us now! But fear not, for he is no match for the might of our glorious Emperor! If you see this man, report him immediately!"
The image faded, and the old man reappeared.
"Thank you citizens, and long live our Emperor!"
At that moment, the soldiers, the citizens, it seemed like the entire city faced the large crimson palace in the center, and thrust their right fist into the air, yelling a booming:
"LONG LIVE LORD DRAVEN!!"
----
Ven was startled by the transmission, and watched it curiously. There was only one orb in the remote village, and it seemed like everyone came out to watch the transmission eagerly. When it was over, they also all thrust their right fist into the air, yelling:
"LONG LIVE LORD DRAVEN!!"
... and went about their business.
The soldiers noticed Ven did not partake in this cheer and one of the approached him from behind.
"Why didn't you salute our Emperor? You do know that is a crime..."
Ven turned around, startled.
"Oh, my apologies... I don't live here... I'm a traveler... you see..."
"You should be more careful. I'll let you go, but that sort of behavior would likely get you thrown in jail in one of the cities..."
----
The old man wiped his brow with a cloth and stepped away from the large blue glowing orb...
"There, it is done."
Draven was in the doorway, casually leaning on the door seal with his arms folded.
"Excellent. Impressive speech as always, Vander."
Posted by: Dude Man on Thursday September 15th, 2005
Darak cheered "LONG LIVE LORD DRAVEN!!" with the others.
Duilin, quickly retracted his lightning blast. "Fine..." He then stepped toward the cloaked man. "Let us just talk instead of fighting. Who are you and what do you want?!" He asked demandingly.
----
Valos, was writeing something down. He was writeing a battle report about the 'battle' with the Aspyes. He was listing names of casulties and such. After he was done, he sealed it into an envolope and carried it outside of his quaters and handed it to a messenger. He saluted Valos and left. Valos then walked threw a few doorways untill he arived outside.
He heard the speeached and cheared "LONG LIVE LORD DRAVEN!!" with the others. He then pushed a few soilders away, in the large crowd around Duilin. "Stand down!" He ordered. He then looked at Duilin and the others, and crossed his arms, and sighed. He saw Duilin was talking to who appeared to be the person who attacked them earlier, so he waited untill he was done...
Posted by: Zeros' on Thursday September 15th, 2005
"LONG LIVE LORD DRAVEN!"
When Zeros' heard that, he almost chuckled. Almost. Especially, from the image he put of Haraldur on the transmission orb. It was a gross exaggeration. Well.. Not of the unjoined Ragnar, but, of the current Haraldur, it was.
He pulled back his arm and stepped next to Duilin and looked at the man. He was that illusionist from earlier, but, if he was an illusion or not, was still to be determined.
If he assessed Draven's soldiers correctly, they would not stop a fight.. If it wasn't too dangerous. A brawl every now or then would get them a slap on the wrist and thrown into jail for a few days, more then likely.
It would be amusing to see how this played out..
Posted by: Xorlak on Friday September 16th, 2005
"Y-yes, my lord!"
The lieutenant and the rest of the soldiers immediately saluted Valos. The majority of them then left, but a few remained with the lieutenant, who was still curious about the situation.
----
Draven walked to the only window in the room, and gazed out into the city, his arms folded behind him. Workers were still cleaning up parts of Haraldur's mess from earlier.
"You are excused."
The old man behind him bowed.
"As, you wish..."
The elderly Vander turned and exited the room, slowly making his way through the torch lit hallways. He felt nervous... He hadn't felt this way since Retan disappeared. But Draven was hiding something as well... he could see it in his eyes. With the exception of the single city of Laus to the south, uniting the continent, the young emperor hadn't made any efforts to conquest more territory. Draven being a very active conquering general in the Dark Empire days, Vander found this behavior... uncharacteristic... But of course, the old man was merely a messenger to the people now, so what would he know...?
Posted by: Dude Man on Friday September 16th, 2005
Valos, seemed to noticed that the illusionist was staying silent. He walked towards them, standing next to Zeros' and Duilin. He looked at the illusionist, and narrowed his eys. "I ought to slice your head of right were you stand. But I'm curious about what you could possibly want being here." He then made an even more visous look "If you do not explain yourself, now I shall report this to Lord Draven, and he dose not take kindly to intruders." He then made a more calm but threatening look "Nore do I..."
----
'God, this guy is such an assface...' Rink thought, as he looked at Valos. 'I accually can't wait untill this alliance is over. I know what he's up to, but if I tell Duilin, I don't think he would belive me and he is starting to trust Valos, and if he knows I know, big trouble is going to happen.
Posted by: Haraldur on Friday September 16th, 2005
//Er... Hello Dude Man?//
Posted by: Dude Man on Friday September 16th, 2005
//Ooops, sorry. It's hard to keep track of all these characters sometimes. <img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='laugh.gif' /> //
Marshal pondered about this for a moment. "I belive I may understand. I have no dought in my mind that the view to those less fourtunate is horrible..." He then looked out the window at all of the people. "I supose, what you are doing will be good in the view of the Blue Minotaur...well at least for me anyways. I'll talk with the Elders..." He then sighed. "I'm just worried they won't take it well..."
Posted by: Trent on Friday September 16th, 2005
Too bad Aura was heading where Zion and his trio seemed to be... She'd have to avoid Tsu at all costs... How can she get into the Crimson Empire? How can she become a soldier? She will ascend the ranks, and eventually destroy Tsu with heightened power... But why is she gonna do that?
Posted by: Haraldur on Saturday September 17th, 2005
Haraldur said, "Thankyou."
Tesla stood up, and said, "Shall we go?"
"Yes."
"And what shall we do when we arive?"
"We shall raze it to the ground."
"Innocents?"
"There are no innocents."
"True."
They flew towards the Crimson Capital.
Posted by: Xorlak on Saturday September 17th, 2005
A messenger reported to Draven while he was looking out of the window. Draven took the letter and skimmed over it with disinterest. It was a casualty report from Valos. He chuckled softly and folded the paper, placing it into a pocket under his cape.
He turned, still in deep thought. In order to deal Haraldur the final blow, he needed to know where he was. That wasn't happening. Draven decided he had done all that he could. The defenses in all the five major fortresses were at full strength. The boarder patrol was reinforced. The citizens alerted. And on top of that, he had the "good guys" on hand. There was no sense in worrying about this one man any further.
Of course, with all of them here, it would be bad if...
Draven turned to the messenger.
"Tell me, are our allies with Valos?"
"Yes, my lord. There were several men with him not from our forces."
Draven brought his hand to his chin.
"Excellent. Report to them they are invited to a banquet in celebration of our victory and that I have important information for them. The banquet will be located in the main dining room here in the Crimson Palace. And if you get the chance, tell Valos not to let them wonder around..."
"As you wish, my Lord..."
The messenger left through the open doorway.
Posted by: Dude Man on Saturday September 17th, 2005
//Arrrg, it dosen't look like Yamvy is posting, I'll deal with it, however.//
"Your silent treatment you bring me, dose not help you!" Valos yelled, he then walked off, and signaled two guards. "Lock him up, question him. I'll kill him later." He said quitely to him.
The messenger from before then aproaches Valos. "Sir, you and our allies are invited to a banquet in celebration of our victory and Lord Draven have important information for them. The banquet will be located in the main dining room in the Palace."
Duilin, rubbs his stomach. "I haven't had a good meal in along time." he then nodds. "Count me in."
Rink jumps down to the ground. "Me to, I'll come."
"We will need a booster seat!" Duilin says to the messenger, with a smile. He then turns and looks at Zeros'. "You going to come?"
------
Marshal sighed. "I hope I made the right choice..." He then, walked outside, watching the people heading there way to the Dark Continent. He then, points his staff foward and blasts a blue specter, that forms into a wyvern. He hopps onto it, and flies off, towards Rivertown, back home.
Posted by: Zeros' on Saturday September 17th, 2005
Zeros' shrugs and smiles softly.
"Sure, why not?" he said, and starts to follow the messanger as he walks towards the main dining hall.
Posted by: Trent on Saturday September 17th, 2005
Zion, Xenai, and Tsu had followed Zeros' ki signature, and silently flew in behind him.
"What's going on, anyways?" asked Zion. He was quite confused about what was going on... Draven, Mavas, Aura... All of it.
--- --- ---
Aura stopped before the capital of the Crimson Empire. "Heh heh heh..." Why do I feel so evil? What's happening to me!?
Posted by: Zeros' on Sunday September 18th, 2005
Zeros' didn't turn towards Zion, already aware he was being followed by the three.
"Well.. It seems, Draven wishes to rule more then he has. Over the five years I was gone, though, Draven has only conqured this capitial city, and only one other city.. That doesn't seem like the Draven from five years ago, now does it?" he said softly, as to not alert the guards to his speaking.
"But, it also seems Draven knew Ragnar — one of Haraldur's alter ego's — before this whole war between the Dark Empire and Romme — five years ago — began. But, when Haraldur rejoined with Ragnar, he didn't seem to know Ragnar. It is all quite confusing. I'll just have to watch them," he said the last sentence softly to himself.
Posted by: Dude Man on Sunday September 18th, 2005
//Oh yeah, and if Yamvy ever feals like posting again, don't make a huge battle now, it's really not the time <img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif' /> \\
As Marshal returned to mainland, near by the area were the whole mess started, he retracted the wyvern and and began going on foot. The temple wasn't very far. He walked threw a very tree crowded forest, he seemed to know were he was going. The trees seemed to form a maze, yet every turn Marshal took it was the correct one. Threw this maze was the Temple of the Blue Minotaur. After a few minutes of walking he arived. Roland was at the enterance of the Temple. The building was a large square based pyramid with cubes at each corner, with doors on each side.
"I take it, the negoations went well?" Roland asked
"They have agreed to let us be, yet they will conquer the Crimpson Empire." Marshal replied.
"Well...I supose that will do..." Roland replied, rubbing his chin.
"Well, they plan to start this 'revolution' to bring the world at peace, to make it equal for everyone." Marshal added
"Well, frankly that sounds abit crazy to me...You'll have to talk to the elder, about that." Roland said
Marshal then walked into the temple...
---------
Valos and the messenger walked slightly ahead of the group. The messenger said softly to him. "Lord Draven also told me, to not let them wander around."
Valos nodded, and then came to the palace gate, two guards opened the doors for him and saluted. Valos then walked though. The guards held the door open for the rest of them. They then headed there way to the main dining room.
Posted by: Xorlak on Sunday September 18th, 2005
The five warriors and the imp were greeted by a classic snooty butler type wearing long red robes, standing in front of two golden doors.
"Welcome, gentlemen. Our lord will be with you shortly. In the meantime, you may be seated..."
He gave the doors a soft push, and they opened, creaking loudly, revealing a golden dining room. Through the middle was a long table made of heavy cherry oak, shined to a gloss. The table could seat at least twenty, maybe more. Lined on top were many dishes with silver lids covering them. The chairs were red with golden trim, except for the one at the end of the table, farthest away from the door, which was a large golden throne. The smell of food was in the air.
Further stepping into the room would reveal a large golden chandelier high above, with possibly a hundred candles lit and burning. The walls were some type of dark wood, with gold trimming everywhere.
Servants immediately appeared, moving the six chairs closest to the door away from the table back, three on each side, for the guests to sit in. Another servant arrived with a sort of child's highchair and promptly replaced one of the normal chairs.
Then the lids to the appetizers were removed, and the smell became much more vivid. There were many exotic fruits and meats, and the servants began pouring out glasses of red wine.
----
Two soldiers rushed from their position at the crimson capital's gates to meet Aura.
"HALT! Who goes there?"
"Aw, it's just some girl. What'd ya want?"
Posted by: Zeros' on Sunday September 18th, 2005
Zeros' took a seat next to the chair he assumed Draven would sit in. He sniffed the food and took a sip of wine. He declined the servents ushering for him to eat the food and held his wine glass in one hand and waiting for Draven.
Posted by: Yammy on Sunday September 18th, 2005
(Sorry, I've been on vacation and missed A LOT!!!! I'm confused with what happened to Yamvy right now...was he the guy locked up?)
Posted by: Haraldur on Sunday September 18th, 2005
Tesla and Haraldur arrived within sight of the Crimson Capital, being a kilometre above the surface.
"I am debating with myself, Nikola, whether we can use Draven's ignorance of the Dark Empire's history to ouir advantage, and how we should do it."
"What? You are going to call him out and accuse him of betraying the Dark Empire?"
"It would be a pleasant irony. And possibly a good diversion, and would allow me to draw his fire."
"You forget that there are no revolutionaries here, and no innocents."
"Ah, yes... this is after all his capital, and purely administrative. Only bureaucrats and bourgeoise here."
"So it would seem that duelling him might be good in itself, if it destroys the city."
"Yes. I might accidently miss him with a huge distortion. I wonder what the tearing apart of thousands of bourgeoise sounds like...
"Let us wait a few minutes. It is, after all, lunchtime, and we cannot begrudge him a final meal."
They waited, floating in the air in silence. They wondered where Zeros' and Duilin might be, and whether they were nearby, or in the Capital, and what hassle that could cause.
Posted by: Trent on Sunday September 18th, 2005
The trio took seats near Zeros', taking in the smell of food, wondering what was next.
Tsu had a concerned look on his face. She's near, I know it...
--- --- ---
Aura snickered at the two soldiers. "I am here to join the Crimson Empire... As a soldier of sorts..." She removed her scimitars, the evil force inside her feeding her huge amounts of light energy. "And before you call me some bratty girl... I'll show you your powerlessness."
She seemed to appear between the soldiers in an instant. A field of light enerrgy appeared on the ground, with her in the center. The energy field lashed out from underneath the soldiers with incredibly powerful blows. "Shining Bind!!!" And then a huge flurry of blows, less powerful than the first, but still powerful.
//Clip of the move <a href='http://n.ethz.ch/student/wmartin/videos/ToS%20PS2%20(JP)%20Abicion's%20Shining%20Bind.rmvb' target='_blank'>here</a>. Yeah, it's blatantly ripped off of Tales of Symphonia.
Posted by: Dude Man on Sunday September 18th, 2005
//Oh, yeah, your character got locked up I guess. It looks like Haraldur is going to attack soon, so you can escape then, because all the guards would be alert, so wait untill then, I guess.//
Valos sat at the seat on the otherside of were Draven would be assumed to sit. Rink sat in the highchair next to Zeros' and Duilin sat next to Valos.
"Well..." Rink said sniffing the food. "This is accually preety nice." He said this abit surprized. He took the glass of wine, he had smaller hands so he had hold it with both hands. He took a sip, quite a big sip for a little guy.
"Of course it is." Valos snapped back. "We are the Crimpson Empire." He then chuckled "You know conquering land can be a very prophetable job." He then lifted his wine glass waiting for Draven.
Duilin took a sip of wine, he saw Zeros' and Valos lifting there glasses but he didn't do the same, he took another sip and put the glass down.
-----
Marshal arived at the Elder's room. It was a large room, lighted by a series of candles in blue glass orbs. An old man, wearing blue robes with a large beard, and the symbol of the Blue Minotaur tattoed on his bald forehead, was sitting on a blanket on a small circluar elevated floor.
Marshal aproached the man and bowed down.
The old man looked at him. "What do you want here my son?"
"I bring you information, on a legendary story." Marshal began.
The elder rolled his eyes, Marshal seemed to try and make a legend almost every month. "Yes, what is it this time?"
"Well, it's about Haraldur..." Marshal said
"Ah yes, I herd about this, you sent that note, so I told Roland to help you out, continue, my son." The elder replied seeming abit interested
"Yes, him a man know as Nikola Tesla, they wish to start a revolution. They say they want to bring the world at peace, by overthrowing the nations who wish to dominate land, well basically just the Crimson Empire. After they defeat them then they want to show the people of the world a new way of life. They have agreed to let us be, and keep our way of life."
The elders eyes narrowed "What if he was lying? He is combined of many parts. Some of very good men, and some of pure evil. You may have put us and the world in danger."
Marshal, then made abit of an upset looked but abit of denial "Well, he had many people. Innocent, people, like the ones from cities, they trusted him, I could sence he was telling the truth."
"Don't let that trick you my son. Yet, you may be correct. If they are going to attack the Crimson Empire then I want you to go there, and WATCH, do not get seen, one side may wish of you to join." The elder told him. "Gather as much information on this Haraldur, the way he fights, the things he does, and what he plans to do next, we need to know if what he told you was true, if he wishes to bring the world to peace or to his domination."
"Yes, elder...I will do so." Marshal bowed once again and then, began his way back to the Crimson Empire, ridding on a wyvern...
Posted by: Xorlak on Monday September 19th, 2005
Suddenly, the golden doors behind the throne at the end of the table opened and Draven emerged, an entourage of servants and two heavily armed guards behind him. The servants scurried to set his place before he arrived, and the two guards waited at the door.
"Ahh, welcome..."
He held out both arms as the said this, his cape flowing behind him (which he had changed to a new clean one, still black but with much more defined gold trim).
A female servant nervously filled his glass as he stepped closer. She knew it absolutely had to be filled before he sat down, and not a drop spilt, or else... She succeeded with inches to spare, and leapt out of the emperor's way as he sat.
Draven took the glass and sipped it, holding the glass like a cocktail and swirling the liquid gently when he was finished. He brought his left hand up and flipped out his fingers, signaling the servants to leave-- and they did so, rather quickly.
"So it seems with Ragnar still out there, we have to work together a while longer."
He sat back casually, the glass still in his hand.
"As I've said, he'll likely try to attack me. The poor fool... But you see, there are many points to attack. All of my fortresses, my most important locations, are quite well equipped to counter him. If he thinks his pathetic island storm trick was a defense, well heh..."
He took another sip from the glass.
"These fortresses are North Point near the northern shores, Bandervil in the center of the continent, Sigmund to the far west, Redvik to the south, and of course, the Crimson Capital right here."
(Redvik would be just north of Laus, where Draven, as Lars, got the airship in Chapter 4)
(The Crimson Capital is sort of north-easternly positioned, next to a small gulf that connects to the sea.)
He continued on.
"Now my point is two fold. Firstly, Ragnar would be unlikely to attack these points, unless his only goal is to attract attention. Secondly, all of our talent in one place is a waste. My suggestion, my formidable warriors, is to split up and occupy a few of the smaller towns, which, although I have provided them with a military presence, would be quite out matched against our mad friend, and losing them, while not truely significant, would be a sizable loss none-the-less.
"How does this sound? It would certainly increase our response time, wherever he may strike..."
He sat the glass down and brought his fingertips together before him.
----
The two soldiers were blasted away by Aura's attack, literally doing flips in the air before landing on the ground in two thuds, motionless...
The gates opened and a red caped man exited, walking calmly towards the woman.
"Forgive their rudeness, madam. If you are interested in enlisting, we always accept talented individuals as yourself. Right this way."
He turned flipping his cape, and lead the way into the gates.
----
(Yammy, let's pick up here. Valos ordered your cloaked character arrested before he left.)
After Valos and the others left towards the palace. Three of the remaining guards approached the cloaked man, two on each side and one behind. The two soldiers on the sides grabbed the man's arms roughly, and the third pressed his sword against the man's back.
"All right. Let's go."
(The three generic soldiers being NPCs, you can control them yourself in your next post, just try and keep them in character. The setting is the Crimson Capital city, a busy street, and the place is crawling with soldiers.)
Posted by: Dude Man on Monday September 19th, 2005
"Sounds like an excellent plan my Lord." Valos responded, takeing another sip of wine, and then took a bite of fruit.
Duilin watched the female servent walk out of the room. He then took a rather larger sip of his wine, leaveing only a small bit left. He took a hunk of meat and began munching on it. He really didn't seem to care about his manners. What were they gonna do?
"Duilin." Rink said trying to get his attiention
"Oh, uh yeah?" Duilin burped and looked back at the imp.
"Slow, down, there is more then enough food for all of us."
"Whatever, I eat my way, you eat your way, pinky!" Duilin laughed and continued munching on his food.
Valos raised a brow at Duilin, he then gave a little smirk. Sin of glutony, and the way he looked at the servent, sin of lust. That should aid his demonic side.
"Well, then." Rink began, saying to Draven. "I do belive that Haraldur is most likely, to attack here. I'm sure he would not bother himself with the other establishments. He probabbly, knows that you are here, so he will attack here first."
"Well, that's the point, Lord Draven will go to another place. Rangar won't know." Valos says to Rink.
"I dought that." Rink said back. "He most sertainly will defenatly find out were he is. Haraldur really wants Draven dead."
"Ahh, who dosen't?!" Duilin laughed. He sat back, and tossed a grape into his mouth.
Posted by: Haraldur on Monday September 19th, 2005
"Time to interrupt them, and call Draven's bluff."
"Yes."
Tesla called the settlement into a small ball, placing it in his pocket, to keep it safe.
The city walls started violently shaking, throwing guards off them. The frequency of the shaking increased into a hum, and a voice became intelligable.
This message comes from Lord Haraldur, Dark Empire High General and Governor, Northern Territories and Lord Ragnar, Former Dark Empire High General, Eastern Division, Former Governor of the Dark Capital, and Current Dark Empire Special General of the Intelligence forces, Secret Police and the Elite Commando Units, the Echos. We call Lord Draven, Current Dark Empire High General, Eastern Division, out and we charge him with High Treason against the Dark Empire and Dark Emporer Retan, Dark Imperial Prince Jayce, High General, Western Armies and Dark Empire High General Neptra, Southern Navy and Marines, as well as the already pending charges of Incompetance from a previous unsuccessful mission involving the retrieval of certain items. This Court Martial will commence once the accused comes before us. The law used will be Dark Empire Military Frontier Law, and the penalty is death. Your rights are meaningless, but we do not have any torturers on hand anyway so it makes little difference.
This sound was very loud, and would certainly be heard within the city, and many miles outside it as well.
The ten Haraldurs, one of them being Ragnar, were arrayed in a semicircle, with Ragnar and the spirit released from underground being at the center. They were all dressed in Dark Empire uniforms of very high rank. From the uniforms alone it was obvious that these people had been very important in the Dark Empire at one time or another. If one looked closely, there were hints of similar uniforms of different colours, of the Empires that had preceded the Dark Empire. This would only appear if the onlooker was aware of the existance of the previous Empire.
To an observer close at hand it was obvious that this strange entity/entities was ancient and had been intimately involved with many of the inner workings of kingdoms and empires in the past.
The one which had been the staff said to the one who was at one time the younger Haraldur, "This is a trip down memory lane, is it not?"
"Yes, it is."
They then floated in stilled silence.
//My characters are not lying by the way, not at this moment anyway. It might also be good to note that in some ways Haraldur acts as a Gestalt entity, but not exactly so. I will leave his motives unclear for the moment.//
Posted by: Zeros' on Monday September 19th, 2005
Zeros' took a sip of wine and idly commented on the booming message, "He has you there, Draven. I wonder if your followers are loyal enough to listen to Haraldur's propagandious message — which is true — or stay by your side. It doesn't matter much to me, we'd have to fight eventually."
He took another sip of wine and continued, "And it wouldn't matter anyways. Even if I did somehow manage to die, I'd be reborn a few hundred years later, stronger then I was when I was banished."
Zeros' took one last sip of wine, only draining the wine glass alittle less then half full.
"I think I'll go say hello to our madened friend," he said, pushing himself up on his arms. A servent scuried up and pulled his chair out for him. He nodded his thanks and turned. With a swirl of his trench coat, he ghosted out of the dinning room, but not without leaving Rink on last message:
Watch Duilin closely. He's delving deeper into his demonic side — more then he should — being half-human. I'm sure the only way you know he could attain total peace is to balance out his demonic and human blood.
"Oh and, don't bother following me," his voice reverberated through the room, but, there was no sign of Zeros'.
---
Zeros' ghosted into view directly above the capitial and about 50 meters away from the Haraldur's. His trench coat swayed in the breeze, created by his two, black angel wings.
"Ah. Hello Haraldur," he said polietly. He then glanced around at the other nine, stopping at Ragnar," Ah.. Nice to see you to Ragnar." He then turned his attention back to the eldest and most farmiliar Haraldur.
"I see you brought some realitives," he said. He turned to the younger Haraldur, "And who is this? A young Prince or brother? Interesting," he said.
He calmly placed his hands into his trench coat pockets and observed them, once again, with half-lidded eyes.
"Now, why are you here? Other to spread propagandious messages against Draven, which are entirely true. Trying to create a state of disarry? Or is it part of a deeper plan?" he asked, seemingly interesting, and waiting for Haraldur's reply.
Posted by: Trent on Monday September 19th, 2005
"So who do we join?" asked Xenai quietly.
"I don't know," said Zion. "It's all so confusing. We've been out of the loop for five years."
"We don't know shit about this Ragnar... We need to learn more. Let's go ahead and join with him for now. We can just bail if he starts to do anything that ain't kosher."
Tsu rose from his chair, pushing it in before the servants had a chance to do anything. "Please excuse me. I have urgent matters to attend to."
"What urgent matters?" asked Zion.
"Please, do not concern yourself with it. Have a good day." He bowed to those present, turned, and promptly left.
"That girl," said Xenai. "I bet you anything."
Tsu exited the castle and headed out to the town. Gotta intercept her and find out what the hell she's doing!
Aura followed the caped man, seeing Tsu emerge from the castle out of the corner of her eye. She glanced briefly at him. She looked to the caped man. "Do you see the man emerging from the castle? I want to avoid him at all costs."
Posted by: Haraldur on Tuesday September 20th, 2005
"Relatives? How perceptive you are," he lied.
"You are remarkably curious for someone who, just a couple of hours ago, was trying to coax me to give myself up to be cleansed from this world.
"Currently, my business is with Draven only. After this, whatever the outcome, I might speak with you, but now is not the time."
Posted by: Haraldur on Tuesday September 20th, 2005
//Note, I am under the impression that each chapter is about a day long, in terms of the world of Gaian. Hehe, 'Days That Changed Gaian' would be a relevant title.//
Posted by: Zeros' on Tuesday September 20th, 2005
"Yes. I am curious. I saw what happened to the weapons after they were all gathered together, but, I never knew what they were like. Humorous? Serious? Idiotic? Intelligent?" he asked. Then, he turned his back and started to observe the sky, and watch the clouds drift by lazily, unaware of the battle that was to take place.. soon.
"Haraldur.. Let me ask you a question: Have you ever heard of a man named Hilter?" he asked, but didn't wait for Haraldur's reply and continued, "Of course you have. You and me are more alike then we think. We both have an almost unlimited supply of ki and magic. We can do things that the others could only dream of. Rip holes in the fabric of reality.. Travel across universes.. Destroy whole planets in the blink of an eye..
//Note: This is Zeros' assuming Haraldur could also travel across demensions, which, he probably could.\\
Now.. About Hitler.. You are very much similiar to him. Hitler wanted to create the perfect society. He preached, passionately, that all people with blond hair and blue eyes were an inferior species and deserved to be killed. He ordered his soldiers to find these people and he proceeded to mercilessly slaughter hundred of thousands..
//Zeros' is also judging this, based on his assumption from what he's seen of Haraldur.\\
While you MIGHT NOT do this, you have some similiarites of Hitler. All blue eye and blond haired people were immedaitely inferior. What is a blond haired, blue eyed person with an IQ of 160 was capture and killed, for no reason at all, other then being classified in that special sect.
You seek to destroy the people who blemish society too much. Take Draven, for example. He's leader of the Crimson Empire. His high ranking officers may exploit the poor below them. But, what of the poor who work in the capital, taking multiple, honest, jobs just to feed their wife and children? What of the servents? The cooks? Would you destroy them, as well as Draven and his generals?" he finally finished, turning to Haraldur with hard eyes.
//What Zeros' is trying to do, is get Haraldur to idmit his plans. He's comparing Haraldur to a major figure head of WWII, Hilter. With Hilter's merciless slaughter of Jewish people in Concentration camps, and anyone else he preceived inferior, Haraldur is also leading onto the same thing.
He said on the previous page he wishes to kill "...various aristocracies on this world, and the bourgeoise under them." That also means civilian's, servents, cooks, construction workers, ec cetera, since they are under Draven's rule.
Basically, he's calling Haraldur a hypocrite, because, he wants to make a utopian society, which, he knows isn't possible.
I hope that clears it up for some. If not, I'll try to explain it more clearly in my next post. I also want to say I mean no disrespect for any people of Jewish orign. I was only citing certain parts from a histroy text.\\
Posted by: Haraldur on Tuesday September 20th, 2005
"This might interest you: my followers are drawing up a "map" of all the various dimensions (of course, this is and always will be out of date, as they are contantly increasing in number, unless I intervene... One of the main features is that we have a classification system. I assume you are talking of dimension c class 43, the one where Hitler, fortunately, lost.
"Your opinion of me remains apallingly low, I see. If you think that I am going to set up a discriminatory state, then you are quite mistaken.
"I am an anti-fascist, and will remain so. You may have not visited a small country of Spain in that place, but I did, a few years before the war which destroyed Hitler. I joined in the P.O.U.M. militia in the Spanish revolution, to kill the fascists. As a matter of fact, I was in Eric Athur Blair's troop, and he later wrote about hi experiences under the name of George Orwell. I saw him shot through the neck, so I know what revolution is like. So to think that I would advocate any stratified society would be mistaken.
"As for your concerns about "innocents", I will let my Ragnar personification handle this."
Ragnar floated towards Zeros', saying, "As former Governor of this city, and the chief of the secret police, I can trust myself to know what happens here. These people you speak of do not exist in this city. This is purely an administrative capital, with the closest equivalents being the various servants. However, there is great competition, since it is viewed as opportunity to get into the Army straight into the Officer Class by befriending your employers."
The main "spokesman" entity said, "However, as much fun as it is describing our attitudes and plans to you is, it i not what we are here for."
//A bit of a Deus Ex Machina moment, hehe.//
Posted by: Dude Man on Tuesday September 20th, 2005
Marshal, retracted the wyvern. He saw Haraldur spit into ten parts. "So, it is true...amazing..."
//Marshal is hiding, right now. So yeah, no need to see him!//
-----
"Shiznit!" Duilin gasps. He then finishes his wine, and then stands up and spreads out his wings.
"Rangar is here!" Valos yells. "My lord, Draven. I shall sound the alarm...wait, I think the entire kingdom allready knows...I shall rally up the...Shock Troops..." He bowed, and then unseathed his sword and then off exiting the room.
"Looks, like as if we don't have enough time to plan something at the time Draven." Duilin said to the fire mage. "I think it's time for some quick action."
"I agree." Rink added. "Well, we should get outside, quick before Haraldur burns the entire place down."
"Quite." Duilin nodded. "Let's kick some ass!" He then takes out his mace, and then begins running towards the outside. Rink jumps up and flapps his wings and begins following him.
Posted by: Zeros' on Tuesday September 20th, 2005
Zeros' nodded at Haraldur's explantion.
"Yes. There are no innocents here, but what about other parts of the island? What will happen to the innocents there? And how many servents have you ever seen or heard of that have extended beyond that? 1 in 1,000?" he asked before he tilted his head to the side and observed them.
"You understand, though, I can't let you kill Draven, correct? I have to kill him myself," he said calmly.
Posted by: Xorlak on Tuesday September 20th, 2005
(Aha, now facism and Hitler enter the scene... good lord... Heh...)
The vibrations from the message shook the table, and Draven's glass of wine shattered, some of it spilling on his cape.
He held his head in his right hand.
"... What the f#@$/...?"
He stood up. Everyone was leaving... He outstretched his hand as Zeros' disappeared.
"Wait!"
He folded his arms and clenched his teeth. His eyebrow twitched as he scowled... Where does he get it from?
He began to float eerily, rising above the table. One of the elite bodyguards from earlier, the one with the shadowy aura, appeared on the balcony that overlooked the table.
"On my signal."
The warrior nodded and left. Draven continued flying toward the balcony and quickly exited through the doorway.
----
The capital's inhabitants were very much startled by the message and the figures that appeared overhead...
... It was a personal insult...
... not only against their Emperor, but against the former Emperor Retan as well. For someone that Retan had publicly banished to claim authority was an insult in itself. Many boos and hisses came from below (although cautiously from behind windows and other safer places)...
A point of red light slowly rose from the crimson palace.
The orbs fixed to the outer walls of the capital began to glow a deep vermilion, crackling and sparking... A red aura seemed to surround the entire city... the defenses were primed...
Draven rose higher, passing through the protective aura above the capital. His arms were still folded, but his scowl was replaced with a smirk, and he was chuckling audibly...
Posted by: Haraldur on Wednesday September 21st, 2005
The other cities interest me not, at the moment. As for the chances of success for the servants, that is irrelevant: the intent is there.
As for you having to kill Draven, I could not care less. It matters not who makes the killing blow. You may strike the killing blow, but to do so you will have to attack with some vigour: I am not going to hold myself back because of your whim.
"Ah, I see we have a visitor coming, and in quite high spirits."
________________________________________________________________
They had heard their leader, and they had gathered. In the small room were the head of the CEIA (Crimson Empire Intelligence Agency, formerly DEIA, Dark Empire Intelligence Agency), the head of the Red Stars (the Secret Police, formerly the Dark Stars) and the Flame (formerly Echo) commander.
They had waited for this moment, and they had their orders. They would be greatly facilitated by the Byzantine heirarchy in the Army, and each of them instilled fear in the common soldiery (and general populace), and the Generals as well, as did their troops.
They had their orders, they had had them for some while, since Draven had become Emporer in fact. Lord Ragnar had appeared to them at a meeting, in a very ethereal form. He had given them orders, but not the time of execution. Now was the time.
They wished each other luck and left.
______________________________________________________________
The Echos, lead by their commander, rushed into the Crimson Capital Main Barracks. The soldiers were very surprised, and frightened, when they saw the Flame, as they thought it was, rush in.
They were equally surprised when that same group of the Flame drew hand crossbows into both of their hands and shot each soldier through the neck.
They then started running towards the palace, driving those people still outside indoors.
______________________________________________________________
The Dark Stars went along the battlements of the walls, arresting huge swathes of soldiers, accusig them of treachorous thoughts and activity, and executing on the spot. Soon, the walls were unmanned. They then entered each of the gatehouses, emptying them of soldiers, permanently.
______________________________________________________________
The DEIA agents entered the generating room which controlled and powered all of the city's defenses. They were greeted deferentially by the technical staff, who thought this was a surprise inspection, especially since they had recieved a sudden order to put all the defences on at once, after a strange voice from outside sounded.
From their point of view, it was a typical surprise inspection, except that a few minutes after the inspectors left, the whole building, the generators and the controllers exploded. The defences completely collapsed due to the lack of power.
______________________________________________________________
At once as the red aura collapsed, each of the ten Haraldurs created a warp ball the size of a palace, distorted the light all around, giving a very odd rainbow like effect.
The ten balls were all thrown towards the city, travelling at the speed of light, having no rest mass. Ragnar's subordinates had been betrayed. He had not arranged for a coup to return the Dark Empire to how it used to be, but he had destroyed the city.
The Crimson Capital was now nonexistant, nothing existed there except some small splinters of debris. The warps had sucked and then exploded, leaving nothing alive.//Apart from player character obviously, since they are superhuman.//
The Haraldur that used to be the axe smiled, for he had designed the defences.
The "spokesman" Haraldur turned to Zeros', and said, "No loss. I wonder if our visitor is so high spirited now?"
Posted by: Zeros' on Wednesday September 21st, 2005
Zeros' looked behind his shoulder and saw the former place of the Crimson Empire. Nothing.
"Ahh.. Interesting attack, there. Hm.. I wonder how you'll like mine.." he said as he drew his sword with a flourish. The sword transformed into it's holy form and Zeros' held it out, point towards the Haraldur's, with one hand.
He air around the air started to distort slightly, almost unnoctiably. He casually slashed towards the Haraldur of the Staff //Since they all have weapons as primary components..\\, sending a bright white blade of ki towards the Haraldur of the Staff.
But, under the ki layered attack, was a suprise. Anything it touched would be sucked into another dimension, especially created for Haraldur. Nothing could get in or out, no matter how hard they tried. Just getting out would cause them to expend all their energy and die, sending their essences to the Underworld.
Posted by: Haraldur on Wednesday September 21st, 2005
The Haraldur that was the Staff floated still, unflinching, and smiled as the blade touched.
All the Haraldurs saw the same vision. There were spinning lights and warping sounds and a prickly feeling, or getting small electric shocks many times a second.
To the outside observer, it seemed as if the images of each of the Haraldurs were warping and shimmering. In the area all around, objects started to float gently upwards, and to fall apart and disintegrate as the electromagnetic forces between them broke down, and the weak and the strong ones, leaving just a sea of quarks, gluons and leptons floating around. This was for a split second.
Zeros' was blasted away from this particular Haraldur with a force equivalent to being hit by the Titanic going at 100 m/s. The Haraldurs were each knocked in the opposite direction by 1/10th the force.
The Haraldurs looked seething with fury. Someone wanted to interfere with the fabric of the universe while not having any understanding of what they were doing, did they? How typical of Zeros'.
"You Fascist!"
They each drew swords out of thin air, to the accompaniment of a flock of birds falling out of the sky as a strange form of lightning discharged from each Haraldur going into the sky instead of from it, from the excess energy and anger.
Each sword was blood red in colour, and its colours seemed to swirl around, as the blood which made them up swirled around inside the magical field holding the swords together. The swords glowed.
They surrounded him, pointing their swords inwards, and a red cloud surrounded Zeros'. This formed into a gridded sphere, which began to constrict. It too was formed from swirling blood. Zeros' was being squeezed from all sides by pure life force, not the "life force" used by the many healers of this world, but the seething, primal, blood red of living rage. The rage of the first human murdering another human with a bone, the rage of all the violence of the past ages.
Tesla looked up from his pre-occupation with making sure the settlement had nice weather in their confinement, and brought his ray gun to his shoulder. He started to shoot through the bars of the life force cage.
Posted by: Trent on Wednesday September 21st, 2005
//Wait a minute. Is it okay to force the destruction of an entire city, one that ALL OF MY CHARACTERS ARE STILL IN?! >_<
Where I RP, that is far from okay.//
Posted by: Haraldur on Thursday September 22nd, 2005
//Player chracters are superhuman, which is obvious by the battles we have, and so are probably unscathed.//
Posted by: Zeros' on Thursday September 22nd, 2005
Inside the sphere grid, Zeros' was standing there calmly. The pressure didn't affect him at all. He was much older then Haraldur knew. The rage didn't even bother him. He had seen and fought demons with much worse. The rage of a human murdering another with a bone. No matter how much Haraldur wanted to believe himself all powerful, he was only part god. 1/10 of a god, and 9/10 a human. //I'm basing this on the weapons and the Haraldurs. Ragnar, plus the two alive Haraldurs and seven weapons.\\
As for Tesla's ray blasts, they barely tickled him, as he had erected a ki shield, made from his demon ki, around him, protecting him from Tesla's ray gun.
Zeros' held his right hand up, and formed a swirling ball of white and black ki. The ki he had contained in the ball caused the swirling orb grid to squeeze down tightly for a moment, before the sphere shattered like glass, the blood dripping from the sky and into the water below.
He closed his hand and the ki ball disappeared. He drew his sword and it transformed into it's demonic form. It grew twice it's previous size, making the sword around 13 feet long. The width of the blade increased, making it now 2 feet thick. The blade was predominantly black, but with colors of rotting flesh at random intervals. Jagged spikes also extended from random points, some as small as an inch, while others were as big as a foot or two.
"That was pathetic, Haraldur. By spliting yourself into ten, you divided your power ten ways. I'm disappointed in you," he said, shaking his head in disappointment. "And if you try to recombine, I'll kill you before you can. You can't erect a barrier while rejoining yourself or use any of your powers, making you as defenseless as a human babe. I could kill any of you with minimal effort," he said.
He shifted into a low stance, holding his sword with both hands and crouching at his feet, holding the blade at shoulder level with the point towards the main Haraldur. The one he was before he joined with the weapons and Ragnar. He ghosted out of view, not even leaving an afterimage. All that was heard was a swirl as his trench coat disappeared and faint trail of bright white.
Zeros' reappeared silently behind Haraldur of the Sword, his original target. His blade was glowing a faint white with trails of the white aura leaking off it. He slashed faster then the sound barrier, but no sonic boom was heard. Zero's had erected a sound barrier around his sword, elimating any sound the sword would make.
Posted by: Dude Man on Thursday September 22nd, 2005
"HOLY SHIT!!" Valos screamed, as the island exploded. He jumped up into the air and started to a large height into the air.
Duilin and Rink, were also extremely shocked by the blast, both of them flue up into the air.
"Haraldur! I can't belive you! You sick bastard!" Duilin yelled
"You will burn for this!" Valos screamed "May your death be slow, painfull and imberrassing, you ingratefull shit!"
-----
Marshal, quickly summond his wyvern again. "Anyone with that great of power has to be a threat..." He then droped his head. "Oh my god....what have I done." he sighed. "No, no, no...This would have happened either way...I alone could not have stopped it." Marshal was very good at self help. "But, I fear for my life staying here. I have witnessed enough allready. I must leave!" Marshal then flue his wyvern off back to mainland, once more...
-----
"Zeros'" Valos said. "I know you can take care of him yourself, but I wish to help you. I am sure Draven would wish the same."
Rink crossed his arms. "Now, now, now Haraldur, that wasn't very nice, now was it? Do you wish to achive world peace by wipeing out humanity?"
Duilin, looked at Valos, and he looked back. Both of them pointed there arms out, Duilin at the other Haraldur (is he the younger one?) and Valos at Rangar. Both of them blasted a dark lightning attack.
//Oh yeah, and I think you are going a little to fast. Well, I did miss a day, but still. I'm only able to post once a day, so yeah.\\
Posted by: Trent on Thursday September 22nd, 2005
//Even still, you're forcing the destruction of an entire city that belongs to someone, namely Xorlak.
Posted by: Xorlak on Thursday September 22nd, 2005
(Haraldur, please tone it down. Remember the rule that states that if you think another player would want to respond to an action, that it would be best to let them respond? You pulled off a good four-part chain reaction in that one post, which is way too much.
With a similar post, I could also use my secret organization that I never told you about cleverly positioned with the city hidden in your character's pocket to tear it apart as well. See what I mean? That's just not fun.
If my comeback to your coup seems unfair, It's only because I don't think your post was fair. Heh...)
----
There was nothing left of the grand city but a smoking crater...
The fight ensued high above, a great torrent of wind fiercely swirling around the two, coupled with bright flashes of light.
Draven watched the whole thing, not lifting a finger. He had calmly watched the traitors sabotage the plant below, the explosion, the defenses disappear, and the bright blinding flash before the Haraldurs' attack hit.
It was all gone... all of it. What kind of a sadistic Emperor would watch his capital destroyed with a smirk? And chuckle during the explosion? The Haraldurs and Zeros' where at it neck-and-neck. The great forces from their attack blasted at him from all directions, though he did not move an inch.
Still with his grin, his eyes left the battle before him. He looked up slowly as if following something, continuing to raise his eyes until he was looking almost directly above...
*Cue that one music from FF3/6. You know, THAT one.*
The sky darkened, becoming blacker and blacker... A MASSIVE object was materializing overhead... A gigantic floating rock appeared high over the heads of the warriors locked in combat... It was a floating island. And atop of this island was the Crimson Capital, completely intact and unscaved... It was all there-- the city, walls, the palace... Floating nearly a mile high in the sky, the massive island blacked out nearly all light below...
----
The old man Lord Vander collapsed in front of the glowing orb.
"*cough* ... That was, perhaps, too close..."
A younger robed man helped him to his knees.
"That was how our Emperor ordered it... What about the other half?"
"Yes..."
Vander limped to the orb and extended both arms. He transmitted his message:
"The CEIA, Red Stars, and the Flame are dismissed by order of the Emperor. All members are to be executed immediately for the act of high treason in the name of Emperor Lord Draven. The only authority is the military of the Crimson Empire."
----
The red caped gate officer was worried at the appearance of the CEIA agents, but regained his courage after hearing the announcement. He shouted to Aura:
"Let's see what you can do. Help us take out these traitors, and you might make an officer right off the bat."
----
Hearing the announcement, the captive soldiers immediately revolted against the traitors. Although their weapons were removed, they far outnumbered the former secret police. The Crimson generals and other more powerful officers brutally attacked the leaders of the traitorous organizations. Chaos ensued. Explosions burst throughout the city, for the Flame and Red Stars had several talented warriors themselves, but they were soon subdued by the overwhelming military presence. In but a few minutes the newly floating city was quiet, returned to Draven's absolute control...
Posted by: Trent on Thursday September 22nd, 2005
Aura flipped her hair, glancing to the red-caped dude with sapphire blue eyes. Gawd, she was radiant! "Direct me to the target, and I will destroy it, or them." She looked to a few of the CEIA agents, which //I assume// were just wandering around the city. She readied her scimitars... "I presume it to be these guys?"
"What the f!ck just happened?!" Xenai was obviously enraged. Zion was concerned about his temporary ally. "Draven, are you okay?"
Tsu looked around, trying to find the girl of his dreams, find out what she's doing, and sort out the confusion that was just spawned all at the same time.
Posted by: Xorlak on Friday September 23rd, 2005
Ven was fast asleep in the quaint little inn he had found. Even this building and its interior were dismal. No wonder this land was once called the Dark Empire.
He usually didn't fall asleep so quickly and he was weary of the innkeeper (because the innkeeper seemed weary of him, the 'outsider'), but he was absolutely exhausted. The nap was rather short, however, as he awoke at the sound of someone yelling outside.
Ven sprung out of bed, still in full body armor and cloak (it being quite improper and unnecessary for an RPG type to change clothes for the simple task of sleeping), and walked to the window. Two soldiers were dragging a rather important looking man, who was rather upset, away from the building next to the inn.
"Fools! Do you know WHO I am! Unhand me!"
"By order of the Emperor, all non-military government offices have been terminated. One of our Captains will act as mayor of this town until further notice."
"What?! W-Why?"
"For the security of the empire."
----
The warm blood trickled down the jagged blade and onto Mavas' black gauntlet...
The lieutenant choked, gaping for air... trying to yell, scream, anything... but his throat was slashed... all was going dark... His grip on the sword through his belly loosened...
Mavas flicked his sword down and the bleeding corpse slid off of the blade, crashing into the ground. The alley was dark and only dimly lit from the crimson pendant around the shadow's neck... He spoke to the dead man.
"Very much is happening on this side of the world..."
He turned. The northern sky was a strange color of red. Something was happening...
"It is best not to interfere before you know the details... Yes, observation is best for now..."
A black aura engulfed the man and his form began to change... His face became that of the dead man's, as did his armor. His jagged sword did not, and he replaced this in his scabbard. He brought his right hand before him, aiming at the corpse. Immediately the body ignighted in flame, burning so that it was unrecognizable...
Mavas, under the guise of the Crimson Empire Lieutenant, turned and calmly exited the alley.
Posted by: Xorlak on Friday September 23rd, 2005
(Zion and Xenai are still in the city, right?)
Draven did a Zeros' style phase out and appeared directly in front of Zion and Xenai. His arms were still folded.
"I'm quite all right, as is the city. What you just witnessed was Phase 2 and 3 of my capital's... new features... My men short range teleported the entire city out of harm's way. Furthermore, we are located on a floating island high above where the city once was... Think of it as a giant mobile command center..."
He brought his right hand up and moved his index finger from side to side.
"You're missing much living on the outside, Xenai. Heh heh heh..."
He turned and looked at the wall that encased the city.
"As for what just happened, some agencies that remained loyal to Ragnar just tried to knock out the city's defenses. Luckily, I denied the CIEA access to information regarding how my new capital operates, leaving it's control in my closest men. The CIEA always seemed unsympathetic to my rule, and I found my assumptions about their intentions correct. They are being dealt with as we speak.
"Zeros' is dealing with Ragnar and the clones... or whatever... below us. I'll let him have his fun..."
----
"Yes, that's them! ATTACK!!"
Some 25 soldiers joined the red caped officer as they bum rushed a single CEIA agent, denoted by his red scarf. By now they had recovered their weapons and took off in pursuit of a second man, who was running for his life.
----
Half way around the world...
A single ship was slowly trudging through the murky waters... It was heavily weighted down, the flags of the Crimson Empire flying high on its masts. They were far from their territory, so far that local pirates did not fear their flag and attacked on two occasions, although the ship was well equipped and fended off the assault both times.
The cargo was so large that it would not fit in the ship's hull... it was clumsily strapped to the deck of the ship. It was a gigantic semi-translucent black stone, some 100 feet in diameter, cut into the shape one would see a diamond in a ring...
Posted by: Haraldur on Friday September 23rd, 2005
//Zeros', I said once that Haraldur was born before he split. Besides, what is there to suggest he was created anew that time?//
To Zeros', Haraldur which had been the spirit said, "Is that so? We shall have to learn about that through trial and error."
The younger Haraldur said to Rink, "Humanity? Did it even slightly look like an attack on humanity? No. It was an attack on an oppressive and corrupt city. Somehow that defines me as a destroyer of humanity, does it?"
11 4 dimensional warps appeared next to each Haraldur and to Tesla, and they were caught in them. The two dark lightning attacks were warped around and bent, and left the warps in random directions, leaving those inside unscathed.
The warp around the Haraldur who was once the mace, who was furthest away from the other characters, increased in size at huge speed, spreading out to have ten "tentacles". These touched the other ten warps, and they were all drawn into the warp of the mace, leaving to warps occupied with a figure of a man in each. In one was Tesla, in the other was the combined Haraldur.
"Zeros', you were saying? Obviously you have not yet figured me out completely. I bid you fare well."
He turned to Tesla, saying, very loudly so that it could be heard by all present, even Draven, "Atrocity be damned! I swear by the universe that I will wipe the Crimson Empire off the face of Gaian. Come Nikola, let us visit Laus. They, at least, might be pleased to see us."
They moved south, at the speed of an albatross, their warps surrounding them.
"Put the settlement in stasis, Nikola, it will be some time before they can be let out."
"Yes."
Posted by: Zeros' on Friday September 23rd, 2005
Zeros' simply chuckled as Haraldur retreated. It was all the evidence he needed. Haraldur said he had not figured him out. That, was apparently, untrue. If he was so powerful, why did he not simply destroy him, and the rest?
Even true that the Crimson Empire was a corrupt and opressive society, which wasn't, now? Haraldur had seen different dimensions, ones where magic died and technology advanced. This dimension could of done the same, but it seemed the God's let the dimension retain it's magic, causing humans to be dependent on it, such as people were dependant on technology in other dimensions.
In these dimensions, he had observed how some conutry's had developed past the primative, opressive society of this age, and had become obsessed. If Haraldur truly tried to wipe out every town and city like the Crimson Empire, then, at least, 3/4 of Gaian's population would of been destroyed with no mercy.
Haraldur wasn't the prophet he belived himself to be. He was a delusional man with dreams of grandeur.
"Not an attack on humanity... What happened to your sense, Haraldur? Even if the Crimson Empire is opressive and corrupt, which major cities aren't? You don't even understand yourself, Haraldur," he said towards no one in particular.
He sheathed his sword and put his hands into his pockets and smiled up wistfully to the sky, painted red.
"So, Haraldur... When will you finally see fighting is futile...? You've seen many different dimensions where you've won this war, but, you've also seen ones where you lost. Now... How will this one, end?" he asked towards the sky.
Posted by: Dude Man on Friday September 23rd, 2005
Valos began laughing oncontrolably, as he saw them retreating. He then, looked up and saw that the palace was fine, and he began to laugh even more.
"What cowardly fools!" Valos laughed. "You think one with a power like that wouldn't run from a fight, eh?"
Duilin, crossed his arms and sighed "That reflecter beam attack was so predicatble. He relies to much on magic."
"Yes...that can possible become a weakness perhaps?" Valos thought
"Maybe..." Duilin, rubbed his chin, he hadn't shaved in abit. "Hmm..." He then looked at Zeros'. "I think this has convinced me, that Haraldur is indeed 100% mad."
"Duilin, shall you aid me in the slaugter of some traitors?" Valos asked
"Sure, I guess. I wanna try out some new attacks anyway." Duilin grined. The both of them swooped over to the city.
The second CEIA agent, who was running from the 25 soilders, was in there view. Valos, casted a Slow spell on it, makeing him move at the speed of a turtle.
Another one, who spotted Valos and Duilin began running. Duilin, then blasted a yellow laser, that railed threw the CEIA agent, makeing a gapping hole from his back to his chest, the agent fell to the ground dead.
Rink, sighed as he saw the two chaseing the agents down. He then looked at Zeros'. "I saw Marshal, eh." He then paused for a second. "If he talked with Haraldur then that means he must have seen what he had inside, a more detailed look. He might have some very usefull information. I saw him heading back to Rivertown, should I follow and bring him back?" He asked.
Posted by: Trent on Friday September 23rd, 2005
//They never left the castle. Heh...
"Apparently, I am missing a lot," said Xenai. "This is some really impressive stuff."
"Indeed, it is."
"So what are we gonna do? Go outside and fight the CEIA, or go down and fight Ragnar?"
"Jebus, who is Ragnar, anyways?" Zion scratched the back of his head.
--- --- ---
"Yes, sir." Aura looked to a fairly large group of CEIA soldiers. Her eyes shimmered, right before she charged forth. She whipped out her scimitars, slashing through about six of them, spinning around to face the group, who immediately rushed her all at once. Light energy was rushing through her, it felt good, yet so bad... She leaped back, sheathing a scimitar and pointing out the hand that held it. "Feel this! Divine Judgment!"
<a href='http://n.ethz.ch/student/wmartin/videos/ToS%20PS2%20(JP)%20Abicion's%20Divine%20Judgment.rmvb' target='_blank'>http://n.ethz.ch/student/wmartin/videos/To...20Judgment.rmvb</a>
Needless to say, none of that group remained.
Posted by: Haraldur on Friday September 23rd, 2005
"Laus is a potential ally, Nikola."
"Yes, I have heard that, while keeping a low profile, resistance exists there to this day."
"Have we still got the feeder dimension in close proximity?"
"Yes. If we arrive there soon, we could totally remake Laus in a few seconds."
The warps accelerated to the speed of light, and they were there.
A sign shone red in the sky: REVOLT!.
____________________________________________________________
Down in the city, the citizens of the city saw Haraldur's sign, and knew that now would be a good time, since they would all do so simoultaneously. Revolt! The word had such command, and such potential freedom. Revolt! Remove the Crimson Army!
Skuffles broke out, and within minutes the Army was cornered in the main barracks.
The people stood back as they saw two strange figures float down onto the top of the barracks, and set them alight, the crackling of the flames accompanied by the screams of burning and choking soldiers.
As the growing croud watched the two men stretched a warp like a pizza, and floated in the air as they made it as big as the city, and then dropped it.
The effect was immediate. All the streets and shacks were gone, replaced by paved paths, magically powered wagons on tracks, and housing all similar in appearance to the housing around it. No size differences, complete equality. In addition, the city walls that had been dismantled by the victorious Crimson Army were back, and ten times over, being much larger than their previous incarnation.
Haraldur stood on the walls above the newly rebuilt main gate, and addressed the crowd in the main square:
"People of Laus! Today is an opportunity greater than any of your lifetimes! You have the opportunity to free yourself from the Crimson Empire, once and for all, and the opportunity to have a truly egalitarian society! Are you with me!?"
The crowd, still awed by the sudden transformation of the city, gave a loud cheer, and then stood around not knowing what to do.
Tesla shouted, "Man the walls, have a man in every lookout post! You have your freedom, but you must also defend it! Let the ravenous beast of the Crimson Empire, which has taxed you and commited atrocities against you, finally feel the force of proletarian wrath! Let them finally realise that the people will not tolerate heirarchy and exploitation any longer! Let them all die!"
And then the greatly embittered towards the Crimson Empire population of Laus gave an even louder cheer than before, and did as Tesla had said, and made other preparations for struggle to come. They found that the city had plenty of escape tunnels, all of which led underwater, an would need to be swum out of.
Haraldur left a sign to last above the wall, reading: Zeros', why must magic and technology be seperate?
To Tesla he said, "Arrange so that all merchants coming in and out are quickly indoctrinated, so they can spread discontent and revolution throughout this continent. Do the same with all other travellers as well, in fact.
"Remain here and protect this place, and the jewel of freedom you carry in your pocket as well. I must go, my friend, you who have stood by me so."
"I will. Good luck."
"Thankyou."
"Bye."
"Bye."
Haraldur left southwards, accross the raging waters further south, of the waters they call the Rumbling ocean, as it is always rumbling from the sound of waves and constant thunderstorms. This had only been like this since five years ago, since the rearrangement. This was one of the consequences of Zeros' actions, this which has been a fertile fishing ground, was now a place not even pirates would dare to tread, or survive.
Still he flew south, towards the southern pole of Gaian, to meet an old friend...
Posted by: Xorlak on Friday September 23rd, 2005
(Heh, okay Haraldur, you can have Laus. But again you did like three major things in one post. I would expect capturing a town to take at least half a dozen... slow it down!)
A soldier ran up to Draven holding a small orb in his hand.
"My Lord!"
He bowed his head deeply and offered the orb to his Emperor.
Draven took the orb via levitation, and it landed in his outstretched hand. Inside the orb was the image of a Crimson officer, yelling in a panic. It was a recording from earlier. The officer said:
"Laus requests backup! *static* --magic spell!! *static* ... citizens-- *static* revolting!!"
The message ended with a fiery explosion overtaking the man.
Draven pondered the message, bringing his hand to his chin.
"So, he's stuck down south as well..."
He looked up at the soldier.
"Tell Vander to transmit to Redvik. Tell them to cut off Laus at the mouth of the peninsula. Do not attack yet, just fortify the boarder. No one enters... or leaves..."
Posted by: Dude Man on Friday September 23rd, 2005
"Hahaha, Duilin. Excellent. That was a stunning technique!" Valos laughed, as he slowly lowered down.
"Um, yeah. Thanks..." Duilin replied. The two of them lowered down to the ground.
"Yes, yes, yes...now, Duilin. I wanted to talk to you." Valos began. "You see, this alliance has been very good for me. I have finally found the last Talonscar."
"Yes, and?"
"Well, I need to tell you something about Nex and your father..." Valos' voice went to a more serious tone. "The two of them, were partners as you know. Your father wished to become the leader of hell, yet his power was limited by a foe, a high imp."
Duilin narrowed his eyes, he hated to hear things about his father, but he knew the gist of his story, his father became full demon because he wanted to become leader of hell, but he died and he wants Duilin to take his place. "I've herd it all before...Just shut up, Valos..."
"Well, I just wish to ask...Why do you refuse your destiny? Why not come with me, I shall take you to the Temple Of Qor, and you Duilin can make his world be yours!"
"Listen, if hell wants a new leader they can pick somebody else! I don't want to! Just shut up!" Duilin yelled
Valos, turned around. 'He still is still refuseing, what do I do.'
'Wait, longer! His power is still weak, untill he knows it all it cannot be done correct. Our lord must gain the throne.'
Posted by: Trent on Friday September 23rd, 2005
Zion and Xenai watched the message with Draven. "Ugh... This is a headache!" said Zion.
Aura watched the city she was defending transform. She then looked to the men preaching. She watched them fly off, and then looked to the group of CEIA soldiers approaching her. "What a nuisance."
She started to charge up light energy.
For Hyperion. (Used way back when on Draken Neptra.)
Posted by: Zeros' on Saturday September 24th, 2005
Zeros' heard Valos and Duilin, very brief conversation. Even if he was over 50 meters away, his blood gave him excellent hearing.
He ghosted from his position and silently reappeared behind Valos.
"Why do you push him, Valos?" he asked.
Posted by: Haraldur on Saturday September 24th, 2005
//Er... Trent, where exactly are your characters? Are they in Laus, where there are no CEIA etc. to speak of, or are you near the Crimson Capital, which is on the other side of the continent?//
Posted by: Haraldur on Saturday September 24th, 2005
As he carried on south, an increasing number of icebergs became visible. He reached the north pole soon afterwards.
He landed, and split in ten, all of them surrounding the circle of the south pole. A blizzard was blowing around them.
No to wait for the Southern Lights.
Posted by: Dippy on Saturday September 24th, 2005
After a long time of sailing Jonny sees something.
"Land! I see land!" jonny runs to his telescope.
"The Crimson Empire base...We found it!" Bongo runs onto Jonnys shoulder and looks at the land on the horizon.
"But...What!?!...No...Its gone...They blew it up!" Jonny exlaims.
Bongo gives albatrash a slap on the side of his head to get his attention and points up at the floating castle.
"Holy crap! Its flying...Why didn't I see that?" Jonny stands in awe at castle."How are we gonna' get on?"
Posted by: Dude Man on Saturday September 24th, 2005
Valos, posture suddenly became more straight, as he herd Zeros'. He turned, and faced him and make his famous smirk. "Well, his rage gives him power. Without his power he surely would not have made it this far, nore would his friends." He said calmy. "He has quite a gift. I am aware you are part demon, yet you have other parts of you. I'm sure you understand the life of one, but not to it's full extent. He however his part humen. Humen blood is much weaker then demonic, therefore, his is mostly demon. If he dose reach the state of full demon, he would still be the same person, just far more powerfull." He paused for awile. "Just because something is ment to be evil it dosen't mean it has to be. Look at Rink." He smiled once more, and prepared to turn away...
Duilin, herd Valos talking to Zeros', but he didn't feal like paying attiention. He then spotted a small boat. "Well, well. Look who's back." Duilin, then spread out his wings, and then swooped over to the boat, with Jonny and Bongo inside. "Hello, there. Need a lift?"
//I'm going to control Dippy's character for abit, he dosen't mind, it just saves time this way. He dosen't have as much time for this game as I do, because he gets more homework, has less time at home, and plays a double bass\\
"Normally I don't really trust mutant witch people, but I supose I could use some help." Jonny replied.
"Hahaha! Sure thing." Duilin grabbed onto Jonny and Bongo, and flue up to the Palace in the sky. "There you go. Now go easy on the pillageing, you two." He then walked off, and watched the sky...
----
Rink flue off and caught up with Marshal. "Hey buddy!" Rink yelled getting his attiention
"Oh...hello, Rink..." He said quietly
"I herd you got into the Aspyes demention, did you get any information?" Rink asked
"Oh. Yeah, they are planning on starting a revolution, to bring the world to peace. They have a large army, with bullet fireing weapons..."
"Really. Interesting, I should tell Draven about that...Or should I..." Rink thought
'If, I tell Draven that Haraldur has an army, then he will know that Zeros' didn't kill the people inside. Oh, I could just say that he recuited more people, and built an army. God, am I ever smart." Rink giggled abit.
"Well, Rink. I don't want to get involved anymore. I'll um, see you later I guess. Good luck to you friend." Marshal said solomly.
"Oh, okay then. Goodbye." Rink sounded a little disapointed, why do all his new friends have to leave or be illisoins made by Zeros'.
"Goodbye..." Marshal said, he then flue his wyvern off dissappearing into the distance.
Rink sighed and flue back to the Crimpson Empire.
//Marshal is NOT inactive at the moment. There is still more for him, just try not to interfer here, I need to work on a little plan.\\
Posted by: Xorlak on Saturday September 24th, 2005
(Yay! Haraldur's sane today. Heh...)
(Yes, the transforming buildings, revolting, etc. happened way down south in Laus.)
(... Which reminds me, as mentioned in chapter 4, Laus is a port town based largely on free trade and market. Lots of merchants there. (Just less pirates now.) I don't think the citizens will like Haraldur's "egalitarian society" for very long... Heh...)
----
Draven pocketed the small orb and returned to the innards of the crimson palace.
Servants were busy cleaning. The building was intact, but several statues and ornaments fell during the commotion and were being set back up or replaced with new ones. Draven passed a messenger in the hall, who bowed deeply.
"Tell my guests that we may resume our meal when they are ready."
The messenger saluted and hurried down the hall before finding subordinate messengers and relaying the message to them. They split up in search of the allied warriors...
Posted by: Trent on Saturday September 24th, 2005
//Aura's in the Crimson Capital. Is that where the CEIA is?
Posted by: Zeros' on Sunday September 25th, 2005
Zeros' looked at Valos sharply.
"Valos, you do not understand. Duilin will be much more powerful, true, but, if he fully dips into his demon side, he will go into a blood rage, a state where his demonic blood takes over his body fully, for the first time. He'll be an uncontrolable killing machine, killing anyone that dares cross his path. The only reason I don't do this everytime is, I've been around longer then both Romme and the Dark Empire, combined. //Heh. A small hint on his age.\\
The first time I went into a blood rage, was when I was a small child. That's how I met my master. He was forced to almost kill me. I had destroyed my own village. . . Not bandits, like I told the others. I was too ashamed at that part of my life.
So you see, since I've had such a long time to control my demonic blood, I don't go into blood rages," he finished. He turned his back to Valos and spoke once more, without turning around, "I hope you understand before you keep pushing him to fully embrace his demonic side. . . You yourself aren't even half demon. . . Has it ever occured to you that Duilin's father WANTS his son to become an uncontrolable killing machine?
If he does ever dip into a blood rage, I will be forced to take him down. . . I just hope it's not as extreme as the one I went through. . ." he whispered the last part before ghosting out of view.
---
Zeros' reappeared //Actually, he was moving faster then any of the servents could see, therefore, rendering him invisible to them.\\, right after the messanger left to go find the allied warriors.
He had his hands stuck in his pockets and walked up to Draven casually.
"Hello, Draven. What's the status on our fine, crazied, friend?"
Posted by: Xorlak on Sunday September 25th, 2005
(Yes, the CEIA is in the capital. Though they're probably about dead by now. Heh...)
Draven continued walking down the hallway, as if Zeros' were behind him the whole time.
"It seems he has taken Laus to the south. I hadn't much of a military presence there. It is too late to send aid. It is as I said, the smaller establishments are in more danger..."
He sighed.
"Ah, I remember my general days. I would receive an objective and pursue that goal to the very end. Focusing my men and resources on that very one thing. When it was achieved, I would move on to the next. So much simpler...
"But now, as Emperor, my talents are split. I can no longer worry about a single man or a single sword... There are hundreds of things to address. When I took over, I never reestablished Retan's High Generals. I remained solely in charge of the military, my sub generals have to consult me in every major decision. It is very tedious, you see, but there are no men I believe competent enough to promote..."
He turned and looked Zeros' in the eye. He was very serious and sincere.
"I need a competent man to put in charge of removing the Ragnar problem. I need a High General of the South."
Posted by: Dude Man on Sunday September 25th, 2005
"Oh, Zeros'..." Valos said, knowing he could not hear him. "You may a wise man, but you still have much to learn about the world." He walked back into the palace. In the main hall. He watched the servents work. He was in Draven and Zeros' view but he didn't wish to bug them. Duilin entered the room aswell.
Valos looked at Duilin, and he looked back.
"Don't even." Duilin said, to Valos. The messenger from before went up to Duilin.
"You may return to the dining hall." He said
Duilin nodded, and went there, and took his seat, same place as before.
-----
Rink swooped back down to the palace after a few good minutes of speed flying. He ran up to Zeros' and Draven. "Draven! I've got some news about Haraldur." Rink said to the Emperor.
-----
Marshal had returned to the Blue Minotaur Temple. He headed his way back to the Elders chambers. He bowed down, as soon as he entered.
"You...have returned?." The Elder said
"Yes, I have. And I bring shocking news. Haraldur, his power is extreme. He may be to dangorus to trust."
"Yes, I am aware." The Elder sounded abit mad. "And, if Haraldur knows about us, and if he plans to dominate the world, then that puts us in danger!"
"That fault is all mine, Elder. I am sorry."
"That dosen't fix it. You were just supost to protect the area around the temple, and then you get involved into a war! The Crimpson Empire may even attack us now, because of this! You have put all of us in danger. We may have to leave this place, and you....you will take a different path." His voice toned down abit. "Because of your foolishness, you must leave the Blue Minotaur."
"But I was just doing what we were all supost to do! Seek legends!" Marshal said, devestated
"You were pokeing your nose into other people's affairs! You are no longer aloud to wear that uniform." The elder demanded
Marshal, removed his helmet, and took of his armor, and his baggy shirt. The only clothing that remained, was a musle shirt and his blue pants. He then, turned around and headed back to the outside world.
What am I to do now...I have no place to go. My entire life was in that temple and because of my stupid curiosity I have lost everything. Perhaps, I should just give up. No, that's a foolish thing to do. What if Haraldur's plan will do better for the world? Perhaps...Draven is indeed an evil man, and he is sided with demons? What was I thinking? Perhaps, I should find the Aspyes...They can help me."
Posted by: Trent on Sunday September 25th, 2005
Zion and Xenai silently commenced to follow Draven and Zeros'.
--- --- ---
The last of the CEIA agents came close, ready to avenge their fallen comrades, not ready to get owned trying.
"By light, you shall fall! Hyperion!"
She leapt high into the air, forcing the energy she charged into her scimitars. A swing of the left scimitar, and down comes a flurry of ki blasts. A swing of the right, three larger ones fall. Both are then swung, sending down one huge blast. She then dives down with her blades extended, toward the group, toward the explosion of light occuring. She skidded out of the back. None of them remained.
--- --- ---
Zion could feel the attack being executed. Who was that?
Posted by: Haraldur on Monday September 26th, 2005
//Duilin, I suggest that Marshall might seek out Tesla, since he is carrying the settlement in suspended animation, and shrunk, in his pocket. That means going to Laus.//
The Southern Lights glimmered in the sky as a man appeared in the circle as an image. It was the Prophet.
"Greetings, Haraldur."
"Greetings."
They waited.
Posted by: Zeros' on Monday September 26th, 2005
Zeros' looked at Rink for a moment, before turning to anwser Draven.
"A High General of the South? Me?" he asked quizically. "Ah. . . I'm flattered Draven, but, I'm more of a lone wolf. I'm not really suited for ordering men around. Perhaps, Valos or another one of your generals — the more intelligent ones — would be more suited to the job. Don't get me wrong, I'll still help in the destruction of Haraldur," he said. He really was flattered, but, he intended to destroy Draven later on. And he knew Draven knew it.
So, this was an interesting situation.
Posted by: Dude Man on Monday September 26th, 2005
//Heh, Haraldur called me Duilin <img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tongue.gif' /> \\
"Um, yeah." Rink began. "Well, I caught up with Marshal, and he did get a deeper look inside Haraldur's base. Apparently he has recuited an *new* army with special bullet fireing weapons. His intentions are to start a revolution and bring world peace, yeah right." He told Draven
Valos tuned in, and heared Draven offer Zeros' to be a High General. How could this be? He isn't even offically a member the Empire, and this is only a temporary alliance, could he accually be, becomeing friends with 'Flyboy'? He paced about for a few minutes, and looked at Draven and Zeros' and then into the next room with Duilin, he was talking to a female servent.
"Oh, yeah they were pretty werid at first, and it was kinda hard to get used to..." Duilin said with a smile, to the servent. "But, now I don't know what I'd do without them."
The servent laughed, they were talking about his wings "Oh, sometimes I wish I had wings, I'd probabbly fly off, for hours and hours, not knowing were I'd be going."
Duilin laughed, and the servent laughed back.
------
"Now, let's see. The Aspyes are not at the Crimson Capital, anymore, but I don't belive they are at there demention either, since they wish to defeat the Empire." Marshal said to himself, trying to figure out were they could be. "Well, the story happened around Laus, and I belive he may have made quite an idolization there, if I remember the history right." Marshal, summonded an Albatrash, and hopped onto it. "Ya!" He then headed his way to Laus...
Posted by: Haraldur on Monday September 26th, 2005
//Oooops... this RP must be getting to me <img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' /> , which is a good thing.//
Posted by: Xorlak on Monday September 26th, 2005
Draven brought his hand to his chin.
"Really now? That's a shame. At least give it some thought. I will be back shortly."
He turned to the imp.
"World peace? Ah yes, who doesn't seek world peace in one form or another... heh... The only difference is the method."
He continued down the hallway, disappearing into a doorway.
I'll turn him yet...
----
Several more servants appeared in the lavish dinning room, finishing the clean up and replacing empty plates with more food.
(This looks like a good spot to end the chapter. Let's end it in 3 or 4 days, when this scene is over.)
Posted by: Haraldur on Monday September 26th, 2005
//Already? OK. Haraldur is not fully active at the moment, since I am still trying to think what to do with him. Tesla is awaiting Marshall's arrival. All is fine.//
Posted by: Xorlak on Monday September 26th, 2005
(Oops. Forgot about EoN. Heh...)
The red caped officer watched in awe as Aura obliterated the agents, shielding his eyes from the blinding light. They were all gone...
"Y-yes, madam, I believe we have just the opening for you. Right this way..."
He lead the way to a small but fortified building within town. It seemed to be a busy place with many soldiers entering and exiting. Several soldiers saluted him quickly as he approached, then went about their business. He entered the building...
Posted by: Trent on Monday September 26th, 2005
Xenai scratched his head. "Why's he want us all to help him out?"
"I'm wondering about that too."
--- --- ---
Aura snickered, an evil grin on her radiant face. "As you wish, sir." She followed the man into the building.
--- --- ---
Tsu saw Hyperion occur, and darted offf in that direction. But by the time he got there, no one was there. "Damn."
Posted by: Xorlak on Tuesday September 27th, 2005
Draven reentered the dining room, begining to speak before everyone was seated. The servant rushed to fill the wine glass again.
"Yes, pardon that... interuption... As you can see, the Crimson Capital is quite inpervious to attack."
He sat down, taking the glass.
"But as I suspected, he has taken one of the smaller cities. Laus to be exact. I should have expected that, since the citizens there are probably not quite used to... our occupation yet..."
He took a sip and swirled the liquid, leaning back in his seat.
"Laus is located on the southern peninsula of this continent. I've sent the order to fortify the border where it meets the mainland. At the very least, we will be alerted of any movement very quickly. Now here is where one of you come in...
"I need someone to enter the city. A sort of spy mission, if you will. I have men trained in these arts, however, I believe someone from outside the Empire will have a better chance of not being caught, and probably a better chance of staying alive if he is caught... any volonteers?"
----
The red caped man lead Aura to a small room with a man sitting at a desk... He was a tall skinny man, wearing light leather armor with some medals, completely bald with an eyepatch covering his right eye and a complimentary vertical scar going underneath it.
The red caped man leaned over the eye patch guy and started wispering to him, motioning in Aura's direction. The bald guy could be heard saying, "Are you sure?". After some more wispering the red caped man nodded and left.
The bald eye path guy smiled a grotesque smile at Aura. His voice was very gruffy:
"Venson says you're quite the fighter. Ya wanna join huh? Well, lets see..."
He rummaged through some papers and took one out, placing it on the desk. He took a quill pen and dipped it in some ink, then began writting in a few locations, filling out some blank spots in the form.
"I'm Colonel Skul, recruting officer. Colonel Venson recommends you skip basic training and are inlisted as a Luitenant."
He looked up at her.
"This is serious. Luitenant is the highest allowed starting rank in the military. You'll have quite a bit of men under your command. Think you're up ta it? Of course, you've gotta pass the test, first..."
He turned the paper around and slid it to the other side of the table, holding out the quill for Aura to sign. The contract read:
I, __________ hearby pledge my life to the Crimson Empire in military service, for the good of the The Emperor, The Empire, and The People.
Enlisting Rank Luitenant
Recruting Officer Colonel Skul
Under the supervision of:
Crimson Emperor Lars Draven I
High General _______________ (left blank)
Signature ____________________
Posted by: Zeros' on Tuesday September 27th, 2005
Zeros' stood off to the side, this time, instead of sitting at the table.
"A spy mission... I would go, but I am by far too noticeable..." he said, gesturing to his trench coat and wings. Plus, everyone already knew of him.
Posted by: Dude Man on Tuesday September 27th, 2005
Marshal arived at Laus. He saw that the place has changed alot. "It seems as if my thoughts were correct." Marshal said to himself. "It seems like Haraldur was here." He walked around the city. He fit in well with the other, with his uniform off. He then spotted Tesla. He ran abit up towards him.
"Nikola Tesla." Marshal said in greeting "Hello. I have one more question for you. Are the Asypes recuiting soilders? I am willing to join." He said with a smile.
------
Duilin, finished his conversation with the servent just in time for her to fill in Draven's wine glass. He listened to Dravens speach.
"Well, I'd like to go. But I lived there for awile and the people know me to well, negatively." Duilin said
"I'll go." Rink said, raiseing his hand. "I'm the smallest and sneakiest one here. I'm able to get in and out of rooms without being noticed." Rink made a second thought. "Hmm...well. Yes, I will do it. I'd probabbly be more use as a spy then a warrior anyways, but I'm still better then your grunts, heh heh. So, when do I leave?"
Valos walked by Zeros', he was done paceing around. "Don't feal like eating, eh?" He said with a smirk. He sat down, and took a sip of wine "So, the imp is going on the spy mission?"
Posted by: Haraldur on Tuesday September 27th, 2005
"Greetings, Comrade," said Tesla, "Indeed we should be very please to receive your support. Besides, we believe in world revolution, you need not ask to join, you may join regardless, comrade.
"However, I will arrange for you to have some equipment, should you wish. Possibly one of those new weapons you have heard about? However, I would firstly like to ask you this: why are you suddenly here? You did not seem to take that much of a revolutionary interest when we last met."
Posted by: Trent on Tuesday September 27th, 2005
Xenai's hand shot up. "I'll do it."
"Are you sure?"
"Yep."
--- --- ---
Aura seated herself before the colonel. She listened to him carefully. "I'm quite sure, and I am quite confident that I will pass your test." She took hold of the pen, and filled in the blanks.
I, Aura Hikari, hearby pledge my life to the Crimson Empire in military service, for the good of the The Emperor, The Empire, and The People.
Enlisting Rank Luitenant
Recruting Officer Colonel Skul
Under the supervision of:
Crimson Emperor Lars Draven I
High General _______________ (left blank)
Signature Aura Hikari
Posted by: Xorlak on Wednesday September 28th, 2005
Draven sat the drink down.
The choices were Xenai, an ex-officer of the Dark Empire and technically qualified, but because of his desertion, also technically a traitor and therefore untrustworthy...
Then there was the imp, who ironically seemed smarter than the lot of them and probably on to him... but probably could squeeze into places easier...
"All right, the two of you can go. Xenai, try to fit in. See what they're up to, and what he's forcing the citizens to do. Pretend that you are one. Imp, you see if you can get some 'behind the scenes' information... but don't let them see you. They'll probably be suspicious of an imp walking around. Report back to eachother periodically, and work together if necessary..."
He stood up.
"That is all. We will execute this plan tomorrow..."
----
Skul took back the document with a smile. He reached in the drawer and produced a small golden medal.
"Congratulations, Lt. Hikari. This medal signifies your rank. You'll find a suit of armor for you through that door. All officers ranked colonel and below are required to wear the customary Crimson Empire military armor."
He stood up.
"A crash course since you skipped the basics. This is important, since some officers might kill you if you don't get this right... When you're within twenty feet of a superior officer, you've gotta salute them, like this."
He stood at attention, and snapped his right arm before him and brought his hand, clenched in a fist, across the left side of his chest, covering his gold colonel medal that was pinned there. His arm was parallel to the ground.
"For an officer one rank above, you've just gotta do it for a second, then you can be on your way. Two or more though, and you need to wait for them to pass by, unless of course you're dismissed. Also... if you ever see the Emperor, you need to do the salute on one knee and look at the ground. Don't let him see you standing... just don't... Unless you need to deliver a message or something, then you can do the normal salute.
"Guard captains, soldiers, dark knights, etc. are required to do anything you say, unless it conflicts with the order of the lieutenant they are assigned to or a higher officer.
"We'll that's it. Give me the salute now and you can be on your way. Your test will begin tomorrow morning."
(Chapter 6 ends in 2 days.)
Posted by: Haraldur on Wednesday September 28th, 2005
//Please not that Laus is being run on egalitarian, and volunatary lines, roughly equivalent to anarcho-syndicalism, anarcho-communism or libertarian communism/socialism, not a police state. Oppression would not be appropriate.//
Posted by: Dude Man on Wednesday September 28th, 2005
//So the chapter ends on Friday?\\
"Well," Marshal began. "The Blue Minotaur did not like me snooping around because they belived it was getting them into trouble with other groups, such as the Empire, so they had me banished. I then got to thinking what you and Haraldur said, and you are totally right. The world does need change, a big change." Marshal cracked his knuckles. "So, yes, I will keep useing my skill of summoning, and build upon it, untill I am better then the ones who went threw full training, just to spite them. But, yes, some new equipment would be nice, such as one of the new bullet weapons. I'll transfer the saphire on my staff into an amulet, I'll need some tools and a chain for that, if it would not be so much to ask."
-----
"Sounds good." Rink said, and he took a bite of a pear, and then sat back.
Valos wiped a wine stain off his face. "Well, tomorrow might have quite a battle in it. And these new weapons Rink told us about, that the Aspyes have. It seems as if they may be superior to our soilders. So, I belive in the cass of battle we shouldn't waste or grunts, since they may be nearly useless. We should have our mages, and the shock troops ready for battle." //The shock troops are the troops that Maxwell sent out with the huge armor and the auto shotguns, in the previous chapter.\\
Duilin, finished his leg of turkey and then finally quit eating, and then sat back and siped his wine. "Well, then. Tomorrow sounds like quite a day."
Posted by: Zeros' on Wednesday September 28th, 2005
"Yes... It seems the next few days will be quite interesting," he whispered to himself. He knew what would happen should either Haraldur or Draven should win. He knew Draven's intentions, and he also knew Haraldur's.
He only had to wait for the right moment...
Zeros' then ghosted from the room, and went to a special place where no one could track him...
//End Chapter for Zeros'\\
Posted by: Trent on Wednesday September 28th, 2005
"Alrighty, then." He looked to the imp, then to Zion. Zion gave a weird look, as if he wasn't sure if he liked what was going down.
"So what am I gonna do while you're doing this?" asked Zion.
"Wander or something. Or more importantly, find Tsu."
--- --- ---
Tsu felt a really bad feeling in his heart. He felt... The girl he loved, had truly become his enemy.
--- --- ---
"Thank you, sir. I promise, you'll not be disappointed."
She proudly put on the medal, performed the salute, and was on her way. She went through the door, expecting to have to get used to men's armor. Instead, she found a set of woman's armor. Oh, must be my lucky day. She put it on, and commenced to figure out what she had to do next.
//Will she be taking the test this chapter?
Posted by: Dude Man on Wednesday September 28th, 2005
Rink, then looked at Xenia. "So, then. You'll pose as a commoner in Laus, eh? I don't think Tesla got a good look at you so you might even be able to to 'join' them, but I wouldn't risk it, if they reconize you we would be in deep shit. I guess you could just see what the peasents are up to then." Rink laughed.
He then noticed Zeros' had left. He nodded and then flapped his wings rapidly, just to give them a little exersize, they, also fanned him off abit. Man, wings are really usefull.
"Lord Draven..." Valos said softly. "If I may ask you a question...I overherd you offering the position of a High General to Zeros'...why?" He said this quietly enough not for the others to hear, he didn't want the others to know that Draven offered this to him, it might start conflict.
Duilin, then took a final sip of his wine, finishing it up. He then placed the glass on the table. He then, made a little smirk, at Draven. "Give the chef my regards. He's a kick ass cook!" He then stood up, and streched his arms and wings. "So, where are our rooms?" He asked.
Posted by: Dippy on Wednesday September 28th, 2005
"Hello?...Seems empty must be geting ready for a big day tomorrow, lets go see what's going on." Jonny says looking at the big lobby room and Bongo.
Jonny walks over to a servant to ask whats going on.
"Pardon me, man, but do you know what's going on here?" Jonny asks
"...Ohh uhhh...I just clean rugs here, I don't know what is going on." The servant replies "Try going to the dinning hall, Lord Draven is down there eating, you are best geting some food to." He adds.
"Thanks...ohh you missed that rug over there." Jonny points out a rug he just walked on with his dirty boots. He then walks to the dinning hall.
"Jack ass tax collectors." The rug cleaner says under his breath to a fellow servant.
Jonny Albatrash comes to the great dinning hall and sees Lord Draven eating. He aproaches, and stops a few feet in front of his section on the table, and bows down on one knee and salutes, he then stands back up, and removes his hat, and holds it againts his chest.
"Greetings my Lord." Jonny says. "Captain Jonathan H. Albatrash, Tax Collector. I have reterned with great losses in crew and in tax money as my ship was destrioed in an...exploding witch person attack." Jonny says this with great shame in his voice "However, I did find a new ship that contained enough rum, ale and beer to cover all the losses." Jonny quickly adds to not look like a failure.
Posted by: Xorlak on Thursday September 29th, 2005
Several servants appeared which would lead the dispersing guests to lavish rooms with silk sheeted beds and those nifty mini bars.
Draven spoke to Valos quietly, but sternly.
"That is none of your concern, Valos. I will send you south of Redvik tomorrow to oversee the front line at the boarder of Laus. Get some rest."
He gave the general a sort of pat on the top of the shoulder, which while looking soft, would likely be with enough force to smack the general halfway to the ground.
He turned to Albatrash, sighing loudly.
"So you are requesting additional crew and to keep you job? ... Ugh... Take it to one of the military tax officials."
He flipped his cape and disappeared through the doorway at the north end of the dining room. 'Military tax officials' was his name for the leaders of the pirate-like organization that plundered gold from small sea side settlements in exchange for an agreement that they would not be assimilated into the Crimson Empire, and that the Empire would offer them sea wise protection in that area. Draven considered it an outdated practice left over from the Dark Empire days, but it had its uses...
One of those 'military tax officials' happened to be passing into the dining room for a meeting and approached Albatrash, having heard the conversation.
"Yar... ye got some rum...? Well, that makes it all worth it, then! We'll fix ye up with a new crew tomarrer. But... we needs ta take yer rum. Fair trade, no? Har har har harr!!"
He gave Jonny a big slap on the back and continued on his way.
(Chapter 6 ends tomorrow! (Friday))
(Yeah, Aura will do her test at the beginning of next chapter. When I figure out what it is. Heh...)
Posted by: Haraldur on Thursday September 29th, 2005
"OK."
Tesla moved his hands, and a strange weapon, which was mostly a long tube, and a set of tools, and a piece of Crimson Empire armour, repainted, flew and landed near Marshall's feet.
"The Empire had quite a surplus of stock here! There are more sets of armours here than citizens! Presumeably this was because this is a very good place to transport things to other parts of the Empire.
"Now, I must be off, I have to make sure the defenses are properly attended to."
Posted by: Trent on Thursday September 29th, 2005
"Nice room." A low whistle given from Xenai. He promptly made himself at home. "The only advantage to being evil... The bad guys have all the cool stuff. Well. Draven's not really being evil right now, so."
--- --- ---
Zion entered his room, took a look around, and approached the bed. WHUMP. He was out.
--- --- ---
Tsu found a room at an inn to utilize...
--- --- ---
And Aura was just sleeping wherever it was that she slept.
//End of chapter for all characters.
Posted by: Dude Man on Thursday September 29th, 2005
"Thank you." Marshal said. He then picked up the items and then walked into a near by shop, and then got to work...
-----
"Bah!" Valos said, as he was nearly knocked down by Draven, he then stood up. And muttered under his breath. "I really, really hate Zeros'..." He then walked up to his room, he passed by the others "See ya tomorrow..."
Rink then cracked his knuckles. "Well, I'm gonna hit the hay. See you kids tomorrow!" He then heads up stairs, to the guest rooms.
Duilin then heads upstairs to. Valos heads into his fairly huge and nice room. Being a General of the Crimpson Empire, he gets a room much nicer then the other soilders, but not nearly as good as the High Generals or Lord Draven's.
Rink and Duilin go to seperate rooms. Rink sits down on the bed, it was huge for him.
Duilin, sits down on his bed, and rubbs his face. "Geez. What a hell of a day. Never thought I'd be in here without trashing the entire place killing soilders..."
He then hears a knock on the door. He turns his head and looks at the door. "That better not be Valos, I swear to god..." He then gets up and opens the door. It was the servent girl from before.
"Hey..." Duilin says to her. "What's up?"
"Hi...Can I come in?" She asks him, smiling.
(I won't get into further detail. Don't wanna get myself banned! <img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /> )
//End Chapter for my characters, maybe not Marshal just yet.\\
Posted by: Xorlak on Friday September 30th, 2005
Draven entered his large, torch-lit chamber. Two servants promptly shut the door behind him and left. The Emperor removed his leather gloves and threw them onto one of the smaller gold trimmed tables.
The armored figure standing in the darkness, almost behind the red curtain next to the bed saluted. He was the only other in the room.
"My lord. The preparations are nearly complete."
Draven sat down on one of the red padded chairs, facing away from the figure.
"How long?"
"Tomorrow. Mid day, at the latest..."
"Excellent..."
"Then... shall I prepare for... the opening?"
Draven leaned back.
"It is a trump card. A big one at that. True, I promised them, but I never said when. I'd rather not use it until necessary, if necessary... Besides, our little allies have bought us this much time, let's see what else they can do for us..."
From his inner cape pocket, Draven removed a small black stone and a worn, tattered slip of paper, upon which was written strange demonic-like symbols, along with his own signature...
----
The weighed down ship was now fully docked, seemingly on an island in the middle of nowhere, and the crew began the exhausting task of removing the giant black stone from the deck. They had to disassemble part of the railing and built a grand ramp. Some fifty men grappled the black diamond with a combination of pulleys and raw man power, carefully carrying it ashore...
To be continued...