Dark Age Legends

[Drannic_Lord01]

"Amazing..." Aaron gasped after viewing such magic he'd never seen before. He knew of alchemy, but he did not think of it to be real.

"Look's like we've got more company," Justin began, "Ten lizards, five human soldiers, and... *gulp* five velkens..."

"This battle will be unavoidable, Aaron." Verronica made for her weapon, as did the others. Velkens were going to be very hard to fight. If only it were just the five... but no. These guys looked like the elites from the Dark Palace it's self. They're strengths will all be evened out.

"Jacobie, Justin, and Dori, make for the lizards. Ven, you and uhh... that man will take down the Velkens with myself and Verronica. Elroy, you and Valimore, or whomever you are, take out those humans. DRAW SWORDS!"

[Jenia]

"Ungh...My...Head..."

Indher slowly regained her senses.
She tried to lift her arm, but realized something is keeping her down.
She opened her eyes...

"...Rocks...?"

She looked around. Nothing but stone.

"...Rocks..."

She tried lifting her arms, hoping to free herself by force. She felt something oily near her legs, and the chains broke.

"...CURSES!!!"

She pounded angrily, a blast of lightning was released from the bracelet on her arm, destroying a set of chains. The other arm simply broke free, as her strength was enough to overpower it.
She raised her upper body to look around, as her left leg was still chained.

To her surprise, before her stood a large bull-like demon, a skunk's shadow and a tiny lizard.
Her expression was quite furious.

But wait, wasn't I in a crumbling cave earlier...? They must have...

Her expression calmed.

But why am I in chains, then...?

She took a deep breath.

"What do you want...?"  she asked in an inquisitive tone, her expression unchaged.

[Trent]

Anti turned around, looking at the man floating behind it. It gave a low whistle. "Check this guy out, Drake." Drake turned around too, and looked him over a bit. "Well well well. You weren't shitting me, Anti. This one's pretty high up there."

"I'm not looking to join anyone on this planet. My sole intention is to defeat every warrior on this planet, and then blow it to smithereens. However... If there are more like you around here..." It chuckled. "...Then it will be incredibly difficult. Just how I like it. Anyways... I'm not going to join you. So why don't we just get this party started?" It raised its fists, starting to glow more intensely.

Drake, however... Had a different thinking process going on. I wonder what kind of... issues... he's got. If this guy's as powerful as he feels, then it might be worth our time to tag along for a little bit.

// Drannic... This is really offtopic. I like the quote in your signature, but Battousai didn't say it (to my knowledge). Hiko Seijurou said it first.

[TK Game Boy]

(//Ack, I feel like I entered too late. Seeing as my char is living in his own little world though, I guess it don't matter)

Taking a step into the sunshine, which is rare for a person who lives in the constant darkness, he carries a green sword. He does not know where it came from. It feel from the sky. Yes, this is no jest. The green sword fell from the sky. The green in question is not known. The man who discovered it, Quadricentennial,  does not wish to collect it for he mainly collects helmets. Living alone in his forest Campaign, he leaves the fores for this moment only to remove this sword that is of no use to him. It is very heavy and he must use both the strength of his arms to carry it about. "Blasted blade", he exclaims, "Do you come to me to make me labor? Then off with you". He drops it on the floor. He could carry it no longer. He heads back to the forest when his foot steps on something. "What is this?" he asks. He looks on the ground and sees a blue plant. He finds it particularly  interesting. He snatches it from the ground when suddenly a puff of smoke comes out of it.  "What is this?" The smoke suddenly takes the form of a man. An old man with a long white beard speaks to him.

"Are you the one named Quadricentennial?" the old man asks.
"Yes. Who be thee that thine sees?"
"Call me Aurnaugh."
"Aurnaugh? What are you?"
"I am an entity. What kind of entity I will not reveal."
"How do you know my name?"
"I have been watching many people and you are very interesting to me. Unlike any other person, you forsake the world by cloistering yourself to the darkness of the Campaign forest Quadricentennial, or should I say Valentine."
"NO!!!!!" Quadricentennial screamed. "Do not call me Valentine. WHO ARE YOU??? How did you know that?"
"That is not important. What is important is that you return to the world that you've abandoned. Quadricentennial, do not tell me that you plan on living all your days in this pitch black forest."
"Why not?"
"Because even if you decide to stay in this forest, it will eventually die."
"The forest is already dead. Do you not see the dark trees? They have done many days ago."
"The forest will soon be in flames. Leave while you can."

(//I'd like to read some of the RP I've missed so I'll leave it like this for now and finish later.)

[Dude Man]

“Uh no, I don’t sense anything…” Duilin replied.

“I actually do sense something. Seems angelic…” Rink asked.

“Interesting. But sure, let’s speed up a bit. I don’t think we will be able to go through the tunnel way, because I don’t remember they way through, we’ll just have to try and detect what’s out their without actually leave Tjedon…”

---

“Well, my little friend…” Ophelia replied, returning the mocking tone. “I’m looking for something.” She could sense that Duilin was here, she could sense that he had gotten stronger since they last met. She seemed to have a very strong connection to him. She then kneeled down until she was at eye level wit the short nightmare demon. “You wouldn’t have happened to have seen a big bad demon lord have you?” Ophelia asked as if talking to a young child. “Maybe you even wanted to play a game with him? But he was a little too rough for you?”

---


Gorus finally rallied up with his troops and he was really ticked off when he saw that they were sitting around not doing anything. An entire section of the city had already been leveled, but it wasn’t enough for Gorus, he wanted the entire county destroyed. He climbed up on top of a crumbled building that was still considerably a high off the ground.

“What are brainless morons doing!!?” Gorus stepped roared as loud as he could and every single lizard man turned to see their enraged general. “I leave you twerps for not even half a damned hour and I find you sitting around here with your thumbs up your asses!!”

Gorus had always been the most foul mouthed and most easily enraged of the High Generals, and his section knew that. Yet he was also the friendliest with his lizard men, but not at this particular moment.

“I ordered you people to destroy this entire county, by sun down! This is not moving at a good rate! Now, from what it seems the mutant army as seized attacking us, which either means they are dead, or hiding. But seeing how stupid these creatures I assume they’re dead. I wouldn’t be surprised if we find a few others sticking around, and I want them ALL dead. Vandrin has failed to make any use for these pathetic humans. His mutations may have increased their strength and giving some wings and poisonous spells, but they’re even dumber than before! Fear was the one thing that kept those humans living longer. But Vandrin has removed their fear, in hopes of making better warriors! Fear is for the weak, because they need it! These mutants are still weak! Now I want to be able to water my plants in the morning with every human in this county’s blood and use their bones to make new cages for my prisoners! NOW GO! BURN THEIR HOUSES! KILL THEM ALL!”

The lizard army then continued to give their war cries as they went back to destroy the rest of the county….

---

Marshall and Wilham continued to look through the castle.

"Vandrin must have it in his room." Marshall concluded. "I noticed it has been pretty quiet."

"Yeah, a little too quiet. Maybe they’re on to us."Wilham thought.

"I think they’re more focused on the lizard men." Marshall replied.

"Well, yeah. But I think think it’s odd that their isn't even any security around. Don't you?"

"Yeah, it is a bit weird. But let’s not worry too much. Come on…"

[Dark Spartan]

“Blast you, Lamarr!” Kleiner complained. “Where the devil did you go?”

“Here she is, doc,” Alex handed him the errant headcrab.

“Alex! My God, I was wondering when you would be back. Did you do what you needed to do?”

“Yeah, doc,” Alex replied, “I did. I see that you might need some help putting your city back together.”

“It’s certainly been tough going,” Isaac replied. “While we’ve cleaned up most of the pollution and toxic pools around the city, we’ve still yet to rebuild most of the districts. If you’ll remember, the Industrial District was waist-deep in waste. We’ve managed to drain that off, but the buildings there are still dangerously unstable.”

“I’ll do what I can to help,” Alex replied, “but within a little while I’ve gotta get going again.”

He heard Midna in his mind…

We’ve got the Kandarinians on the run, you know, they’ll no doubt spend a good while rebuilding…

Alex replied with a thought of his own.

What about that Carmine guy? He didn’t seem too happy that de Sade was gone. What if he’s looking for us now?

You’re awfully concerned over one soldier, Alex. You would be able to take him, no doubt about it. Now come on, you’ve been gone for a while, you’ve been through a lot of action, can’t you just sit down and take a rest?

Not while there’s a war going on. Even if the Kandarinians are rebuilding and on the defensive right now, it’s the perfect time to strike. If we find de Sade, wherever he is, he’ll lead us to Kronos, and finally, the downfall of the Kandarinian Sovereignty.

Alex, I insist on you resting for now. Please, for me.

Okay, but for no one else but you.

“Alex…?”

“Sorry, Isaac, I was just thinking about something else. I’d be glad to help.”

“Excellent, I’ll task you on--”

Isaac was interrupted by Dr. Fenix’s grinding voice. He sounded frustrated.

“DAMNIT, Isaac! You told me the power nexus would hold for another week! Come down here and lend me a hand!”

“Oh bother…Dr. Fenix and Dr. Savant are trying to reconstruct our Borderworld portal so we can draw power once more…I’ll be but a moment, Alex. In the meantime, feel free to look around.” Kleiner climbed down the ladder into the basement to render help.

With that, Alex was alone in the lab’s main room. Midna continued prodding at him in his head.

Why are you so anxious to leave? Out away from safety is exactly where the Shroud wants you, so that it can easily force your decision. At least here, you’re safe…

Midna, you and I both know we have a job to do. The Twili elders are without a doubt waiting for our return, so that I can be taught the Aura of the Juggernaut…they mentioned that once that is mastered, they had something for us…

One day of down time is not going to lose us the war, Alex. You’re not a mercenary anymore, you know. You can’t just run the war the way you want it to be run…

Any time spent here is an opportunity for the Kandarinians to rebuild, which means every second we don’t put forth to bringing them down makes them stronger. We don’t even know where their new capital is, and so we have to find that as well.

Alex, please…you’re blowing this out of proportion. It seems to me you only want to destroy the Kandarinians, even more so than you want the innocents of Terian to be safe.

Why in God’s name would you think that?

I’m afraid that exposing you to the Shroud may have clouded your purpose…

There’s nothing wrong with me! Everyone wants those damned Kandies reduced to smoldering ash, and they know only one force can do it, and that force is us!

Alex, I’m just worried for you, is all. The last thing I want is for you to get hurt because of something I may have brought you into…

Wouldn’t be the first time.

I know you think you’re the only hope for our race, and many others think that, too. But the last Twilight Warrior fell because his motives fell solely on just destruction of the enemy, rather than safety of the innocent as well. If you only destroy the enemy, you will become the enemy.

I can’t believe this! The elders themselves wanted me to do this, and all you’re doing is holding me back!

Now, Alex, calm down! I only have your best interests at heart!

Well, I know what’s good for me, and sitting here on the sidelines isn’t it.

Kleiner began his climb back up the ladder.

We’ll discuss this later, Midna scolded.

“Well, that little matter is taken care of. …Alex? Are you okay?”

Alex shook his head, trying to clear his mind. “Uh, yeah…I’m fine.”

“Perhaps if you went out for a walk you could clear your head. It’s a wonderful night out. Go on, take a walk and I’m sure you’ll be fine in no time. Well, off with you, go!” Kleiner shooed him out of the lab and into the night air.

Despite torches and gaslights lighting the streets, it was a moonless night, so the darkness still hung in the air, worrying Alex even more the Shroud might take this opportunity to warp him. Finally away from anyone else, Midna took the chance to try to reason with Alex again.

Alex, what’s gotten into you? You weren’t like this a few days ago…I was right, you’re thinking about the Shroud again, aren’t you?

I’m just worried that what it told us was right. It said I would change my mind eventually, but the question is when? I would never doubt anything you say, but is the Shroud all that bad?

It’s bad enough that it could overpower you if you weren’t careful. Like I said, I don’t want to say or do anything that could hurt you. By telling you about the Shroud, I opened your mind to it, and that’s exactly what it wants. It needs a human host to survive…it’s desperate for you.

Desperate enough to force me to let it in…if it does, it’ll eventually control me. If that happens, God knows what. I’m afraid.

Alex, as long as you keep a clear head, the Shroud can have no power over you. In order for it to take control, you have to want it to. Do you?

No…but what if it forces my decision, like it said it would?

A strong will, Alex, that’s all it boils down to.

Sorry about what happened back there…it’s a tough time for everyone, not just us. I’ll stay here like you wanted. But as soon as the time comes, we’re out of here. Deal?

Deal.



Captain Carmine closely inspected his hand-picked soldiers to assist in the hunting and killing of the two Twili. As he walked down the line, he took a close look at each one. He had four men under his control, forming the Scarlet Commission.

Lieutenant Odessa Hoffman. A soldier for fifteen years past, he was a by-the-book soldier who bled in the trenches with his men. He was loyal to the KAF, and Carmine, to a fault. Hoffman had met Carmine a few years ago as his training officer, and the two became friends. Once again he would be called on to help Carmine complete his mission.

Sergeant Victor Sig, a loud- and foul-mouthed officer who pushed his men hard, and would soon realize what being pushed hard meant under Carmine’s commission. Carmine chose him over others for his excellent marksmanship. He could hit a grape with a spear from three hundred yards if he wanted to.

Corporal Les Grylls, who had, up to now, served for five years in the KAF, as a scout and recon agent. If he didn’t want to make a noise, he didn’t. He had previously been conscripted to scout Asgarnia prior to the Seven-Hour War, making note of defensive emplacements and weaknesses.

Corporal Adam Estacado, the squad’s vanguard, armed with the heavy magic mortar cannon. Estacado had taken up a liking to blowing things up, using whatever explosives on hand to do the job. This earned him the moniker, “Boomer.”

“Okay men,” Carmine addressed his squad, who stood aptly at attention, “our squad was formed for one reason, and one reason only. We are charged with the task of pursuing, subduing, and eliminating the Twilight Warrior, Alex. If we succeed, we will be doing the Kandarinian Sovereignty a great service, and will be remembered as heroes down the centuries. You’ve all been chosen for the abilities you possess, abilities that I feel would be great assets for getting the job done. You should be honored, no, privileged with the opportunity to take on a target this great. But it won’t be easy. Completing our mission could take months, years even, and some of you may not survive to see the end of it. Alex is a formidable opponent, but what is one man versus five? A dead one. Am I right, guys?”

“Yes sir!” The soldiers shouted. Give Carmine a promotion and suddenly he’s the new Stroud.

“Before we set out, I want to see that you’re really up for the task of what lay ahead. There’s a village not too far outside these walls that resists the Kandarinian Sovereignty. While this is no Asgarnia, they are proving to be a nuisance. So we shall go quell the riots. Move out, men!”

Within the hour the squad had loaded up and moved out into the freezing cold that gusted through Gros Morne, the new capital of the Kandarinian Sovereignty. A few miles outside the city’s outer walls sat a backwater town that had rejected Kandarinian emissaries that tried to make assimilation quick and without bother. Seems that the Scarlet Commission would complete its first mission quickly. Before long, the squad was on the other side of the hill.

“All right, boys,” Carmine started, “the town’s just over that hill. The mayor’s called a meeting to reject any Kandarinian rule. It’s our job to go down there and disperse that meeting.”

“Uh, sir?” Hoffman queried, noticing something Carmine didn’t.

“Let me finish, Odessa. There should be no armed men in that town, so forcing them to obey Kandarin law should be no problem at all.”

“No armed men anymore, Carmine, look!”

Carmine peeked over the hill and saw the town was already in ruin, homes burning, corpses littered through the streets. In the midst of it all a lone man stood.

“And just whose doing is this…?”

[Drannic_Lord01]

"We could always fly over the caves. I could help Lagart over as well. But for now, I'll follow your lead." Ben quickened his walk speed, trying to sense what was on his two old friends' minds. He could feel in one mind an ignorance that was uncommon in an angelic mind. In the other, he felt sorrow... and fear. Once again, something uncommon in an angel, but more common than ignorance.

"What is it that's tracking me..." Ben said aloud, not knowing he did. He pondered for a while on the energy source he could feel, "It can't be an angel... has to be... evil." Ben seemed to look strange as he spoke to himself. Then, he felt something unexpected. An extreme source of evil that was angelic. Again did he see something that surprised him. He looked up in the sky and saw a few arrows raining down at where he and the others stood.

"Arrows from behind! Watch out!"

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

"I'm telling you, this has to work. Even if he'll detect us, I'm sure we'll gain some experience in battle if we just fight."

"But it's wrong! We're angels!"

"And just who or what's going to stop us!? Just keep shooting, V. We'll get him when he's dead." The two tracking Ben were high in the air firing enchanted fire arrows, shooting one after another. Arrow after arrow, the quivers on their sides seemed to refill themselves. It seemed as if the sky was raining fire from the angle where ben stood.

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

"Gugh!" Ben was shot with a few arrows in his shoulders. He pulled them out and looked back in the air. He aimed his hands forwards and produced a small light-purple block of energy. He threw it out and widened his armspan, expanding the block and providing a shield.

No more arrows could get through the wall Ben conjured behind them. He then held his hands close together and began crafting a blade of energy. "You guys'll have to help me take care of this, I'm afraid. We'll get a chance to find out whose behind this after we've killed them..."

Ben seemed much darker and evil. His blue aura turned red and his wings dulled down to a dark grey. Even his energy changed from white to black. His energy blade was an obsidian dark.

[D. Ein]

//ok, guys, this is taking WAY too long - I'll speed up the building of the city a little bit. Assume that by now, the main citadel is completed, and there's a relatively large city around it. It's about one-tenth the size of the first capital, Jovil, and is located close to the border of the Arctic Region, so that the shore is easily seen from any point from the city. The houses are dominantly made of stone, however, showing many organic components - now most of the citizens know at least basic necromancy, and, essentially, everyone controls a little "bit" of the town. Xorlak, if I broke any major rules by this, please do tell, and I'll revert the condition of the new capital back to the way it was in chapter 13. By the way, the "empire" is still called the Kandarinian Sovereignty, but the capital is now named Gros Morne. Also: Lilithians\

-"My brother, Damien, insisted that I come along with you. I hope that now I need no introduction, sir."

Hannibal was wiping his long blades with a piece of cloth, probably torn from a victim's garb.

Just when Carmine opened his mouth to say something, a large ice brick fell down from the sky a few feet from Hannibal. The commander and the Scarlet Commission, taken by surprise, drew their weapons, though Roth simply looked up from his blades. The ice brick stood still for a few seconds, then began to crack. From it emerged an odd-looking man with blue scaly skin, clad in a mix of chain and plate mail. He approached Carmine with a strange smile.

-"Lieu- eh, Captain Carmine, I see... No doubt de Sade was a powerful asset the last time he was around?"

-"Yeah. What of it?"

-"No doubt you would like that kind of power to aid you again?"

-"It would be... a powerful asset, yes. But first, you will tell me who you are and what you're doing here. Otherwise, there may be consequences."

-"Hush now, little cricket. I want you to see something."

The little patch of icy ground that the intruder and Carmine were standing on suddenly tore from the ground, and, at a speed surpassing that of sound, zoomed to Asgarnia. The city was shrouded by night.

-"This is but a projection of actual events taking place - in truth, we haven't moved. However, nevermind that. Take a look at Asgarnia, if you will."

The chunk of rock made a wide circle around the city. Structures could be clearly seen being rebuilt, and the Kandarinian spire was no longer there.

-"Stroud said it himself, let them have the damn city. It's not like we were gaining anything from it anyway. Besides, I have a new, more important target now."

-"What if I said that, say, by capturing certain individuals within the said city, you may well draw your... more important target right to you? Admit, it eliminates the pesky task of looking for him yourself."

With a puzzled look, Carmine scratched his head.

-"It's too well fortified now, we'd never get in with five people... wait, what's that sound?"

Indeed, the air was filled with faint clicking and rustling.

-"Asgarnians seem to have forgotten who they were dealing with. I'm just sending them a small reminder. As for the sound... let's just say that the night beckons, and her children are coming..."

The stone floated to a slightly lower angle, just above the ground. The passing citizens went right through both the panel and Carmine, as if they weren't there. Suddenly, every single torch and lamp in the city went out, and the faint rustling turned into deafening screaming. The air filled with the noise of thousands of small objects hitting the ground, not unlike a heavy hailstorm. In a few seconds, all noises stopped, and the torches were lit aflame again. The ground revealed to be covered in many small, razor-sharp obsidian shards. Few perished; many were wounded. However, a "small reminder" was all that this was: no structural destruction could be seen, other than some pieces of walls here and there chipping due to the obsidian slicing the thinner bricks off.

Once again, Carmine was back at the village. The strange man smiled broader than before.

-"The obsidian may grow bigger, if you do so desire. All I need from you is a tiny little gem. Get me the soul stone containing de Sade's essence from Kronos, and you can have that, and so much more..."

The stranger drew a sword from behind his back. Its blade appeared to be made of ice, with clouds of cold vapour descending to the ground.

-"Here's an incentive. When you made up your mind, simply hold it up straight in front of you and say "Amon, come to me." That's all. So very simple. Very, very simple... You may find the blade to be a useful weapon, too."

Uttering his last word, Amon became encased in ice again, and vanishing with a deafening crack. Carmine noticed him doing so in a similar fashion that de Sade used to. Perhaps Amon too was a Lilithian...?

--- --- ---

-"He wants WHAT?!"

The messenger carrying the letter almost fell back as I finished reading the letter.

-"So the little scum bucket refuses to help me base my new capital, and now he... he has the audacity to ask ME for help?! Worthless filth..."

I ripped the letter in half and threw it behind me in rage.

-"Ugh, then again, he does have them mutant-y potions... Those could help. Sigh. YOU !!"

Now the courier definitely fell flat on his spine.

-"Y-yes, sir?"

-"Get a message to the Colonel, tell him to assemble a squad of vanguards with a speargunner convoy, about a hundred men in size. Oh, and throw in some bladesmen, too. Herr Doctor von Göth was itching to try out the new obsidian trims on the wristblades. We'll humor him. MOVE!!"

-"Sir!"

The courier scrambled to his feet and began running down the stairs. Just then, I remembered to write a reply.

-"HALT! Get the hell back here! I forgot something."

-"Yes, sir!"

I took out a piece of paper and a quill, and started to write.

My dearest count Vandrin,

It appears as though you've ran into some trouble which could have been avoided altogether had you decided to come with us. However, due to my exquisitely generous nature, I grant you this squadron of our finest men armed with the best known technology to Kandarin. In return, I expect a shipment of your most potent mutagenic potions as soon as the conflict is resolved. Some lizard corpses wouldn't hurt, either, but this is a rare case when I would prefer them alive. Try to capture at least five and keep them alive. Also, see if you can find members of any other races - I will like those, too.

Eternal forever in his grace,
Kronos

[Dark Spartan]

Darkness will fall…like a Shroud…over the Bearer…

Constant pings from the Shroud coursed through Alex’s mind, relentless and persistent, waiting for the perfect moment to strike and take over. Though Alex did not want to admit it, he was truly afraid, unsure of how much longer he could keep his free will. He was afraid of the dark.

The Shroud’s not about to give up on me, he thought. It’s pushing and poking and prodding…until I reach my breaking point and finally accept it. I fear that point in time is not too far off…

Midna filled his conscience. Alex, are you okay?

I’ve been better…

Perhaps I may have made a mistake. I should never have kept you from what you’re supposed to do. I’m sorry for what I said before.

It’s not your fault. I accused you of things out of anger, when in reality, you’re really my only ally in all this. If I turn you against me, I’ll be all alone…

Don’t beat yourself up about it. It’s a long road to victory, and you’ve just got to follow the twists and turns…and then there’s the forks in the road. You’re at one of those now, with the Shroud prodding you. Take the right path, Alex.

Suddenly, all of the gaslights illuminating the streets went out. The air was then filled with whooshing noises, followed by bloodcurdling screams as a hail of obsidian spikes rained down on the streets.

“Son of a BITCH!” Alex screamed as he ducked under a cart, the spikes just missing him. When he got back up, several citizens lied in the streets, bleeding and screaming in agony, others deceased. Within moments, people were out to help them.

“I can’t take this anymore!”

Is something wrong, Alex?

You’re damn right something’s wrong! The innocent deaths! No provocation! I’ve had it, and redemption must be had!

Alex, you’re losing control! That’s exactly what the Shroud wants! Don’t let it take you over! Please…

The Shroud’s voice drowned out Midna’s in the back of his mind.

Yes…lose yourself…it’s only a matter of time…just say the words and you will be mine…

Alex, NO! Think of what you’ll give up! Think of what will happen! Would Caulus want you to become Shrouded?!

Midna…I’m…sorry…

Alex once again became coiled and entangled in the black mist, waiting for him to utter the two words to make it all happen.

“I…”

Alex, NOOOOOOO……!

“I…accept!”

As soon as he had uttered the words, everything changed…his skin appeared to pale, his eyes glowing a blinding white. From behind him ebony tentacles slithered and crept, two serpentine Demon Heads full of teeth slinking out from behind, taking up positions on either side of him, eyes and markings glowing bright orange. They opened their fanged maws, sucking in black tendrils of energy from the shadows…the markings on the sides of their heads lengthened, and finally flashed bright orange. It had happened. He was Shrouded.

Good, GOOD! The Shroud hissed inside his mind. Lose all control…you will be my puppet…together we shall eviscerate those who have wronged you…

As the Shroud filled his mind, the Demon Heads snapped at the air, at each other, and at Alex. They hungered. They had to be fed.

As the Shroud overcame Alex, memories of Midna were fleeting, and this, the Twilight Princess forced out of his conscience. As she took her appearance outside his body, a tear welled up in her exposed eye.

“Alex...I’m so sorry…I should never have brought it into your mind…”

As the Shroud forced Alex to feed it, one of the Demon Heads snapped harmlessly at Midna, missing her by mere inches.

“I should tell the elders about this…”

With no further word, Midna created a portal back to the Twilight, to inform the elders of the alarming news.

While Alex retained control of his body and thoughts, those thoughts were constantly interrupted by the Shroud.

Despite my presence, you remain in control…interesting…we will see how long it takes for the servant to become the master…until then…I will allow you to enjoy your newfound abilities…no doubt there is someone in particular that you wish to exact your vengeance on?

“All of those damned Kandarinians...”

Good…good…you know your target…where is this quarry?

“That’s just it…I don’t know…they moved elsewhere to rebuild...”

In due time, you will find them, Alex. Until then, I hunger…

[Dude Man]

“Yeah, I guess we could try that.” Duilin replied. He was about to ask Lagart if he wanted to come or not, but all of the sudden a barrage of flaming arrows came down at them.

“What the hell” Duilin exclaimed, as he turned around.  He narrowly dodged the ones that came near him. “Some of them must have already gotten inside. Dang it, I left my weapons inside. Guess I’ll just have to use my raw spells here…” He then crossed his arms and a golden aura glowed around him. “I’ll take care of ‘em….” He then uncrossed his arms and then floated a few feet in the air and then flapped his wings pushing him upward until he was flying as high as the roofs of the houses. “C’mon…Where are you…” He muttered, as he scanned the area.

---

A pair of lizard men were walking through a dusty street way. They found a few human guards running around so they were chasing them around. Gorus didn't want any survivors and it was fun to hunt down the humans so it was a win-win situation, except for the humans.

"C'mon out magotss..." One of the lizard men hissed.

"Yeah come one." The other one snarled. "Come out and play. We're so lonely..."

One of the guards was breathing deeply as he leaned against a wooden pillar that was formly holding up a building. He held his crossbow close to him. The lizard men were just passing by, maybe if he just stood quiet enough he could just run off, and out into the wasteland and never return.

One of the lizard men started sniffing. "Human flessh..."

"I hear breathing."

The two lizard men, knew where he was. No point in running, those lizard men where too fast to out run. He jumped out from hiding. "FOR VANDRIN!" He shouted as he fired a bolt at one of the lizard men, yet the bolt missed by a hair. The lizard men started laughing as they came closer. He panicked and his shaky hand went to get another bolt out of his quiver. The lizards were mocking him, by not running at him. The guard put the bolt into his crossbow, pulled back the cord and took aim. He pulled the trigger and the bolt shot towards the closer lizard man, yet he blocked it with his jagged bladed sword.

"Hehehe..." The lizard men quickened his pace as he came closer.

"Oh god...no!" The guard panicked and dropped his weapon and started running.

"Ooo!" The lizard man licked his lips. "I just love it when they panic!"

The two lizard men then bolted after him. The guard looked back and saw them gaining on him and started running faster as he yelled. One of the lizard men jumped in the air and then landed on him tripping the man to the ground.

"No! No! Please no!" He shouted. The lizard man lifted up his sword and then stabbed it down right into his back. The two then started laughing.

"C'mon we gotta go. There are sstill more."

"No, first let me have a bite. These humans taste quite so good. Plus I haven't eaten in hours!" The lizard lowered his mouth down the dead man's shoulder.

"Gak, hurry it up then!" The lizard man turned around and scanned the area. He sniffed the air a few times. "Something else is here."

Suddenly a shadowy figure blurred towards the lizard man, and stopped right in front of him. Suddenly the lizard man was pushed to the ground. The blurry figure then took shape to a dark grey skinned mutant.

"Well what do we have here?" The lizard man said getting up. The other one turned around, just in time to see the grey mutant shoot a shade blast at the lizard's face killing it in one shot.

"Why you little--" The lizard man got up to engage the mutant but was stopped as a shade blast shot from the grey mutant as he pointed his finger at him like a gun. The blast struck his chest as he fell lifeless to the ground.

The shadow mutant then turned to continue to regroup with the other mutants when suddenly a group of lizard men came at him, one wearing 'mage like' armour. "There's one! Spread out, it looks like one of them invisible shifting ones!"

The shadow mutant then phased himself, and he was but a blurring spectre and dashed off, he remembered the colourfully armoured lizard to be a spell caster and more dangerous. His mind was simple, but he could remember that much.

Just then a rain of small smoking shells came down at the moving lizard men they dropped to the ground making an explosions all around blowing the lizard men to the air and their dead bodies plopped to the ground. The mutant looked confused for a bit but then saw a group of humans. Some men armed with spear guns walking with and some heavily armed warriors with them as well.

"Hey, what's that?" One of them asked.

The mutant recoginzed them as Kandarin. When Vandrin taught them, he told them: "Kandarin friend, you can trust Kandarin. But Vandrin is best."

"You Kandarin." The shadow mutant said approaching the group of warriors.

"Looks like one of them mutants." One of the vanguards said. He approached the mutant. "Yeah, we're with Kandarin. We were sent here to help you guys out with the attack. Could you take us to your count?"

"Too many..." The mutant said rubbing his head.

"Too many what?" The vanguard asked.

"Too many...words...speak less..."

"Aw son of...." The vanguard shook his head and the others noticeably laughed. "We help." He said pointing to himself. "Take us to Vandrin."

"Two Vandrin?" The mutant lifted up two fingers.

"No! You go where Vandrin is! We come with! Damnit."

"Me go where Vandrin is. You follow?"

"Yes, we follow! You go where Vandrin is. Good. Yes?"

"Yes."

The vanguard turned to the others. "I think this count Vandrin needs to work more on his mutations..."


//I knows this is a little speedy that Kronos’ men arrived so soon, but they’re only NPCs plus this only directly affects mine and my Ein’s characters. So, Xorlak, I hope their nearly instant arrival can be over looked. PS. You rule.\

[D. Ein]

Now, Carmine was at a loss as to what to do. On one hand, he had a potential ally, possibly measuring up to de Sade himself. On the other, there was the cost... Stealing from Kronos? No matter how he viewed it, that was high treason. Couldn't there be a compromise?

-"Hannibal, what are the chances of Kronos noticing a soulstone gone?"

The assassin sighed.

-"Pretty high. He only has three of them right now. One with that blabbering idiot Ein, the other with that robot thing, and the third is the one you want. It's also the strongest one, so he'll keep it around him at all times. Your best bet, really, is just ask for it. The elimination of Alex is a high priority task. I'm sure he'll let you borrow it."

-"I see. Want to go ask him for me?"

The assassin waved his head in disappointment, and disappeared in a purple flash.

--- --- ---

"The soulstones were shining particularly bright in this light... They were all lined up nicely. I looked at each separately.

Inside the first one, I saw Ein. As a little amusement, I threw in an "evil twin" version of himself, and I could see the two copies fighting each other.

-"Heheheheh. Why can't you see, Ein, you are your own worst enemy? Bwheheheheh."

Inside the next one, I saw an average-built man sitting on the non-existing floor with a sad expression. I guess that's what the soul inside that machine viewed itself as. I flicked the gem a little with my fingernail. The man turned around to me, sighed, and stared back at the floor.

My chance of looking at de Sade, of course, was ruined, as soon as Roth Jr teleported right inside my personal quarters. This got me a little angry.

-"I should have you hung, drawn and quartered for that, Roth. However, I assume that you have a good reason for barging in like this. Do share."

-"Well, sir, Captain Carmine sent me to you to deliver a message of the utmost importance. There is a possibility for recruiting another Lilithian for our cause, but he wants de Sade's soulstone. What are your orders?"

-"Hmm, two Lilithians for the price of one, quite literally... Then again, what will the other one do with this power?"

-"I assume he'll use it to help us, then make away with it."

-"Ah, hell. If it helps me get ahold of that Alex scum, so be it. Take it and give it to the good Captain."

-"As you wish, sir."


Hmm, now that I have my city built, I should start making up stupid megalomaniac rules again. Boy, were those fun. I think that now, my title will no longer be Marshal. I'll make it... hmm... Kaiser... yes, sounds good. Kaiser Kronos. I'll also have the no-Kronos-naming rule, and... Oh! Perfect. Anyone who goes to bath with an orange on a third Sunday of the month is to be thrown to the vultures. Genius!

-"Roth, let everyone know - I am now called Kaiser Kronos, not Marshal."

-"If I may so suggest, my lord - I think you should be called Sovereign."

...

-"Never came to my mind. Good idea."

[Coriko]

Druid had only started his flight to Tjed when he wondered why. He had no real allegiance to this Jayce or his empire or army. Every time he was in a fight something happened and Druid couldn’t fight, either Silas pulled some stunt or something happened to his opponent. He slowed his speed down a little. Taking his time would be better. He could sight see, not that there was much to see.

Druid looked around at the ground. He hadn’t realized at what great altitude he flew. Everything was so small. It was such a regular thing he didn’t even look and admire the little things. Back on his home dimension Druid loved to discuss Philosophy with his mental superiors, not that there were many, but with the rebellion against him and now this unfortunate trip to Gaian he hadn’t had time.

   From behind something or someone ploughed into Druid. He couldn’t see because it was clinging to his back propelling them both downwards. He tried to fight it but couldn’t manoeuvre and the ground was coming up quickly. The figure pushed off Druid, propelling him even faster towards the ground. With a horrible thump sound Druid crashed into the ground. A small crater was formed with the impact.

---

Slowly Coriko was making his way towards the meeting place with Marshall and Firstman.

"It has been a little long, i hope they are still there."

with that thought Coriko picked up his pace.

---

Druid lay in the crater and he started coughing up blood. He tried to sit up but couldn’t. He definitely had a few broken ribs and possibly a broken arm. When he tried to move it he realized it was definitely broken. With his non-broken arm Druid summoned his two remaining shadow warriors. It took a lot longer because he had to concentrate to block out the pain plus he didn’t have his whole body. Slowly the two warriors were summoned. “Help me up.” The two warriors picked up Druid and put him down on his feet. Druid collapsed because he seemed to also have a broken leg. His fall was worse then he thought.

The two warriors lifted Druid up and sat him up outside the crater. Druid head was slumped downwards because he was in such pain. As soon as the warriors set him down a figure attacked the warriors, destroying them. Druid looked up to see who did that. Then it grabbed Druid’s neck and lifted him up off the ground. “Silas!” Druid said through gritted teeth. The two mortal enemies stared at each other.

[Dude Man]

"Man, I'm surprised Kronos even cares about this Vandrin guy." One of the vanguards said.

"He doesn't." Replied one of the spear gun warriors. "He just wants to test you guys out."

"Wow, I feel so important. My first real mission is a test run." The vanguard said jokingly, but he laughed a bit at his own joke. "Meh, figures. Count Vandrin has been pretty selfish lately, he doesn't to anything to help out our Marshal, it's a wonder he didn't just kill him."

"Indeed. But Kronos still wants us to help Vandrin, apparently he still has a bit of a use for him, he wants more of his mutation chemical."

"Why? Did you see how stupid that guy is?" He pointed to the shadow mutant leading the group to the castle. "I'd be surprised if this guy even knows where he's going."

"Dude, he's right their!"

"So what? The guy's as dumb as a rock, he ain't gonna hear anything."

"Wait...I think I hear something." One of the other spearmen said, lifting up his hand motioning for the others to stop. "I think more of those lizard men are coming at us. Vanguards and Bladesmen get behind us in a circle formation. They could be coming from anywhere."

The vanguards and bladesmen nodded and the troops made a circle formation, with the vanguards on the inside. The shadow mutant the phased out into his blurry mode and sped off behind the rubble of a building.

The Kandarin warriors could hear the sounds of reptilian roars, sounding like battle cries.

"They're comming..." One of the troopers whispered pointing east. "Quick, reform." The troopers then made more of a wall formation the vanguards and bladesmen at the back, a row of spear gunners at the front kneeling down and another row of them behind, standing up.

Then a group of five lizard men came towards them, they were a bit smaller then average but they were still big. They heard these lizard men were really strong, but their previous encounter didn't show them much.

The spear gunners fired their weapons. One of the lizards, the biggest one, seemed to have gotten most of the attention and was taken down. The warriors quickly reloaded their weapons and fired again, yet most of the spears missed, as the lizard men quickened their pace.

"They're moving to fast split up! Split up!"

Suddenly the shadow mutant shot across their path running and was able to trip all four of the lizard men.

"They've been knocked down! Bladesmen take them out!" The bladesmen then pulled out their wrist blades and rushed towards the fallen lizard men, and started jabbing them with their new improved obsidian trimed blades. The lizard men, had never seen humans fight this well, and they'll likely never see it again, as within a few moments they were killed.

"Good work men. That was probably the smallest group of them, so let's hurry to the castle." One of the vanguards said. "Now where is that damned mutant?"

The shadow mutant revealed itself.

"You tripped them didn't you?" The vanguard asked, and was responded with a nod. "Good work." He grinned.

[TK Game Boy]

"What's this you speak of old man?" Quadricentennial asked with a stern tone. "Why do you say such a thing?"

"This forest will soon be struck down by fire. You will be targeted."

"I don't believe you."

"This is a warning. Do not take light of it."

"Who are you to say such a thing?"

"I told you, it is not important who I am. Just believe my words."

"I cannot believe you unless you tell me who you are."

"All I can tell you is that I am not from this world. I come from somewhere else. The natural order of things are to let things progress but this time I had to interrupt and tell you of it. You cannot die so vainly."

"If it's the natural order of things, why not?"

"Because you are not worthy to die desolate. Rise up and enter the world you forsakened. Use the inner powers you possess. Do not get caught up in the flames that will soon abolish this forest."

"I'm getting sick of this. I'm going."  Quadricentennial turned around and was headed back to the forest.

"Do not do this Valientine."

"I SAID DO NOT CALL ME THAT!!!" he screamed as he turned around. "I don't want you to call me that."

"You must believe me. This is not the life that was meant for you." Starring at the old man, Quadricentennial received a strange feeling, perhaps a feeling that there were answers for questions he wished answered. "Old man," he said, "you don't know me do you?"

"Yes I do."

"Then WHO ARE YOU!?"

"I told you I cannot reveal myself."

"You came from a plant and a puff of smoke, know my name and claim that the forest I live in shall be burnt unto the ground. You must be someone or something important."

"Yes but I still cannot reveal myself. I can tell you this: If you choose to go out into the world, only then can you can truly be worthy of living on this world."

"I don't care." The feeling Quadricentennial had left and decided to go back into the forest. Though he stopped for one last time. "By the way old man, is this green sword yours? Did you make it appear?"

"I have never seen this blade before."

Quadricentennial resumed to enter his forest again.

[Xorlak]

(No problem, Ein.)

Renard floated over to the black stone and took it in his claws.  It was warm with the residue of magic.  The other four Velken mages floated around him.  Did it work...?  They didn't seem to suspect anything...

"Hey, where'd Virmir go?"  Came a voice behind him.

"Down there."  Helix turned and pointed.

"Hey... aren't those the two clowns that were messing with you and Renard?"

"Yeah!"  Helix's fur bristled.  "Kept askin' about the guy who saved his life!  Wouldn't stop pestering him!"

Renard gulped.

----

Melface's eyes widened and he clenched his fists into tiny balls.

"Why you--!!  Don't toy with me, you you--"  He began flailing his arms in a child-like tantrum. "-- you... pompous female!!"

Demon Lord!  Blast!  Just when he got that awful thing out of his mind.  He looked around nervously, as if expecting him to jump out of the ground and tackle him.

His demeanor became more sheepish, and he touched the tips of his fingers together.

"Why... yes... actually...  I did happen to see a Demon Lord.  A loose cannon, and threat to the Dark Empire that needs to be extinguished."

"Pardon the interruption..."

Melface spun around.  Behind him stood the Velken High General, Virmir, who seemed to have appeared as nondescriptly as Melface liked to do.  His arms were folded and his cold eyes bore into the Nightmare Demon's soul.  There were few that could match gazes with him, and this irritated the demon to no ends.

"We will begin your inquisition now."

Two Blade Knights formed the other corners of a triangle surrounding Melface, the human woman, and the elf.  Melface clenched a fist, becoming irate at the rude interruption.

"Why do you need to ask me questions?  You're performing a scrying up there.  You know everything that happened."

Virmir didn't skip a beat.  "Different angles provide different clues.  And you are not the only one we wish to talk to.  Do not speak again until I give you permission."

The child-like demon felt his face redden in rage.  High Generals... were such pricks!!  And he couldn't say a thing back!  Even though he was not of the fox's Skyward division, he still had to obey his every word unless if conflicted with the Emperor or the High General of the Gaian division, who was of course dead.  He folded his arms and gritted his teeth.  He was glad the only other High General alive was Gorus.  Although Retan would probably name a successor to Jayce within a month.  Meaning there'd be another egomaniac running around with way too much authoritative power.

Virmir shifted his gaze to the jester-like woman, his eyes now boring into the black sockets of the mask she wore.  They betrayed no emotion whatsoever.  No malice or kindness.  Simply cold duty and protocol.

"Madam, if you and your companion would state your names and ranks, then please tell us the reason you are here, and what connection you have to the events that occurred here yesterday, if any."

----

"Right!"

Ven silver sword was out in a flash.  The mysterious stranger flung his trench coat open, revealing a long golden barreled weapon with odd metallic attachments on one end.  The man flung the weapon out and cocked it was a resounding *click*.  Was that a shotgun?

The silver knight had no time to ponder it, for his attention was immediately drawn to the five gray blurs rushing towards him.  Velkens... were those the names of the things that had ambushed his men?  So many were killed by so few...  Those awful, horrible killing machines...

Ven felt a blood curdling cry rise to his throat.  He would have his revenge.  Right now.

The five Velken Blade Knights surrounded them in a heartbeat, brandishing their short swords as they floated a foot above the ground.  Before Ven could even raise his blade, two were on him, and he frantically waved his sword around as he tried to deflect the blow.  They were so fast...  Panic began to well in his heart as his arms and legs became serrated from nicks and cuts...  By his side, the stranger shot aimlessly at thin air, trying to hit one that was spinning circles around his head.

Suddenly, the black clad man was kicked in the temple by the much smaller flying fox and he rolled on the ground.  The silver-furred Velken held his blade high, aiming for a swift slash to the neck of the downed  man.  Ven ignored the stabbing blades of the two upon him, jumping to cleave that hateful monster with all his might.

The fox split in two, and disappeared...

"Huh?"

The other four Velkens faded into smoke.

"Illusions,"  the stranger stated, standing up.  He removed a rectangular cartridge from his inner coat pocket and jammed it into the top of his weapon.

Ven couldn't believe it.  His injuries certainly weren't illusions...  If they were the product of a spell, who was the caster?

"He he he he he..."

Ven and the man turned, seeing a blue robed man with pointy ears standing atop a rock.

"Oh my, oh my!  If you don't like those, try these on for size!" The drow cackled.  He slammed the tip of his staff into the ground, and a black portal opened upon the ground, dark shapes slowly rising from within...

(Virmir's squad are the only Velkens on Gaian right now, remember.  Heh...)

----

(Will come back and do others in a few hours.)