Dark Age Legends

[Xorlak]

(Hmm, you updated Roth twice before I could do Retan.   Heh...)

- Above the Ocean, north-northwest of the Dark Continent -


The shimmering black serpentine dragon dove under the waves, disappearing entirely.  After a moment it appeared under Roth again, bursting upwards and soaring higher than before, just missing his feet as it snapped at him.  It slipped under the ocean once more and continued disappearing and reappearing under the man, snapping at him each time...

Then the clouds above him parted, and a second dragon dropped down upon Damien, snatching at him with scaly talons.  This dragon was smaller, but had two massive wings that blasted the human every time they flapped.  It was more the classical type, with two gleaming horns a long, thick tail, and the same black scales as the sea dragon below...

[Dude Man]

- South Eastern part of Helternia -

"Pah!" Nex sneered as he saw the mud creature. "Just more wood for the fire!"

Nex summoned a fireball in each hand and then shot them at the mud lizard...

--- ---

- Above Gros Morne, in the Lightning Wyvern -

"Don't mock me by sending your... bone fiends at me!" Xarn snarled slashing his sword at one of them. Suddenly he was attacked from behind as a skeleton wrapped it's arms around the lizard man's neck.

"Ackk--"

Two more skeletons came at Xarn but he slashed his sword again at one of them.

More of the undead minions started to pile on him, and it was too much for him to handle....

---

"She's goin' down!" The pilot said. "What do we do?"

"Uhh...wanna go out in a really cool way and crash our ship into theirs?"

"Sure, why not."

With the last amount of its energy thrusters it pushed forward towards the Enlightenment.

--- ---

- Above Tjedon -

"Alright, let's board the lizard man's ship and take them out." Duilin said to Bjendell.

He quickened the pace and reached the enemies' ship. Duilin landed on the ship's dock, he was able to keep his balance, despite carrying around his heavy mace. The dock was empty of any lizard men on it so he sprinted towards the door, and smashed it open with his mace. Not even bothering to check if it was locked...

[Mikado]

Puco smiled.

"What weirdo sends fire at mud?"
She still was sitting, and the earth like hands "catched" the fire. Some of it began to burn, but the deeper earth was wet, and the fire was surrounded by it..

At the same time from the same hand, eight sharp tentacles grew out of the left palm, and were rushing with hight speed at Nex.

[Drannic_Lord01]

"I'll try to take out their weapons!" Ben flew to the ship Duilin just had and landed behind the cannons. He slashed at the base of the cannons and started to undo the mechanisms with his sword. Part of the aircraft's weaponry was starting to disable, but not fully. It was still firing upon the Velken vessle. He then began punching it and kicking it, but to no avail, as the machinary just hurt his hands and feet,

"Hmm... I suppose I'll just follow you then." Ben flew back to the deck and followed Duilin inside the ship.

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

[Dude Man]

- South Eastern part of Helternia -

//Mikado, maybe we should hurry things up and finish this fight soon.\

Nex made a twirling motion in his hands and two cleavers appeared in them.

"Chop, chop!" Nex slashed the cleavers at the tentacles cutting off the tips that were rushing towards him. "I'm sick of toying with you, now it's time to die!"

Nex then cast a tornado spell by shooting a gust of wind at the mud monster that shot right into it, but didn't kill it. He then began to spin his hands and attempting to magically create a tornado right inside it.

--- ---

- Above Tjedon, in that one ship, whatever it's called -

"Alright, I'm sure these things have communications orbs, that we can use. So we can tell the Velkens that we're helping them. Unless they saw us get inside." Duilin replied.

[Xorlak]

(Drannic, Duilin just landed on the totally empty, and thus free to steal, third and final airship, The Dhaos, which is still above Tjedon.)

- Over the ocean, west of Tjed -


The two airships, The Death Evan and The Sinistral continued their assault on each other, leaving a trail of smoke and falling debris behind them as they flew over the ocean, the lizard-manned Sinistral desperately trying to escape the Velkens and their Death Evan.

The battle mages lined up on the ship's deck alongside Riuki and began lending a hand with random fireballs of their own.  As the Velkens began to catch up, they moved their hands in intricate circles and a blue star-like pattern formed in the space between the two  black flying ships.  Much of the enemy cannon fire was abruptly deflected, allowing the Death Evan to come in close...

Then, at point blank range, the right side cannons of the Velken ship tore into the left flank of their enemies.  Within moments The Sinistral was in flames, and the mammoth ship slowly fell back and crashed into the sea.

Virmir watched the destruction from the well-windowed bridge, his hands behind his back, his tail swaying slowly as the fireball sunk into the ocean.

"Continue present course.  Straight for The Tower of Heaven's Bane... We are going to end this."

Silence overcame the bridge. The Velken squad lowered their ears and looked at the ground at the sharp words of their mentor.

"But sir..."  Renard broke the silence.  Virmir turned to see him holding the hand of the little fox girl-- Renard's sister.  "We... I mean... Emile is on board..."

Virmir's eyes widened in understanding, and he scratched the back of his head for a moment.  "Take her back to the humans."

Renard's ears perked.  "But sir... I... if I do that, I won't be able to catch up..."

Virmir stepped up to the battle mage and tenderly placed a claw on his shoulder.  Emile shrunk back from the former High General, clutching her big brother's waist once more.  "Goodbye, then."

Renard's mouth dropped.  There... there was no way he could leave his squad behind!  He looked down at his timid little sister, who stared back at him with big blue eyes, silver ears twitching, tail tucked between her legs... No, there was no way he could bring her into battle either...

What was he going to do?

"I... I..."

"Take her out of here.  That is an order," Virmir stated plainly.

Renard's heart sunk.  Helix patted him on the back.  "It's okay.  We'll catch you later, alright?" his best friend reassured.

Anselm soften his stiff at-attention stance and gave Renard a reassuring nod.  Gaston pushed his glasses up his muzzle and smiled. Bryce offered a small salute.

"R-right..." Renard nodded.  "I'll see you all again..."

"When the skies are blue.  Everywhere." Helix said.

Renard smiled.  "Yeah.  Everywhere."  The two patted each other on the back. "Let's go, Emile," he said somberly.  With that, Renard left through the door, crossing the deck to fly his sister back to Tjed under his own power.

Virmir waited a moment after the fox left, staring at the looming dark clouds on the horizon.  "Anyone who wishes to join him, or otherwise leave my service, do so now...  There is a fair chance we may not return... ever."


(Elder, just so you know, I only plan on updating the main Velken squad sporadically from this point on for a while.  If you want to update Riuki more often, she should follow Renard.)

[Drannic_Lord01]

//Don't worry, I pm'ed Xorlak before I did this.

- Tjedon, Mountainous Region of Tjed -

"Hmm... Well, the lizardman I was supposed to deliver this to is dead... Ugh, and he's starting to smell, too. Heh, come to think, they're all dead. Wait, there's one!" The mysterious-looking figure walked toward Jacobie from the shadows of the dark city streets, being somewhat filled with a barely visable light from the sun, the tourch posts still lit.

"Here you are Mr. Lizardman. It's a message for you from Lord Marcinious. Good, good, just take it. I'll be off then!" The cloaked figure then disappeared into the shadows. Jacobie, being as confused as ever, simply opened the letter. It wasn't quite adressed to him, but he continued reading.

Dear Elite,

Welcome to the big games. You have been given a contingent of lizardmen to command outside of the Arctic region. They have already set up camp, and await your arival. Before you can command them, however, you must be promoted. I hereby grant you the title of Commander! Make good on your oaths to the empire and show us what your made of. I will be waiting at the camp for you to fill you in on the details. Then I will take my leave, and you will begin the assault into enemy lines. Make us proud!

-Commander Varosi Marcinious, Arctic Division -

The Dark Seal was stamped at the bottem of the message, and had the emblem bearing resemblance to a dragon with four wings. A Draken in full form, no less. The courier was indeed from the Dark Empire. Jacobie had to obey orders, or they would find him, like they did his father. He folded the letter up and stuffed it into his armor.

"Lagart, I'm taking my leave. Tell the others." Jacobie then walked off, or rather leapt off, into the mountains, sustaining his fatigue with magic. From peak to peak, he flew across the sky, just as he had when he came into Tjed. He then took a great leap and crashed down into the port city. It was full of Drannivolkans and elves, and a few human merchants, trading with Tjed.

A sign hung over the entrance to the port, and etched into the fine wood was "The Crystal Port." Indeed, Aaron's men were fine in their craft, for the port was almost as big as the city of Tjedon, without the walls. He could make out a few familiar faces, Aaron and his men. They appeared to have taken residence in one of the homes of the port. There were more than enough Drannivolkan females to keep the elites trying, and they did. Aaron, however was ready to leave Tjed for home, to restore what little order was left in his kingdom most likely. Jacobie walked down the streets of the dock, and surprisingly, he found his ship anchored to one of the harbors. A merchant was sitting next to it.

"Excuse me, sir, but that's my ship."

"No it ain't! I founds it meself, I did! Just off the coast there."

"That's where I left it. I'd like it back."

"Finders keepers, mate, finders keepers."

"Hmph. How do you find this blade!?" Jacobie unsheathed the burnermaul and pointed it at the old merchants throat. "Perhapse you'd like to keep it inside your head, you worthless thief!"

"Ugh... now now... let's not do anything rash..."

"Then let's give me my boat back."

"... Fine... take it. I have no use o'da thing anyhow." Jacobie boarded the small boat and cut the rope anchoring his ship with his katana. He sheathed it and kicked off the harbor. The boat then took off. Once he was a fair enough distance away from the harbor, he took both his hands and placed them into the water. The boat then blasted off with a great speed, as Jacobie's air magic sent it off like a motor. He'd reach his destination within a few hours, perhapse...

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

[ElderScrollinIt]

"I'm going with him!" Ko'ji walked forward to Virmir at a fast pace and gave a quick bow. "None of us are to be alone, sir... Just following orders." She turned around and patted Helix on his shoulder. Once she caught his eye, she gave a smile and a quick wink, then pounced into the air and pushed some magic energy behind herself in order to catch up with Renard. "I'm going with you, to keep you safe! Nobody is to wander off on their own!" Ko'ji flew by Renard's side. She was a bit taller, but still kept up with him.

--- ---

"Well, now that they're all dead... there really is nothing to do."

"Correction: there really is nothing for me to do. You, on the other hand, are a free man. Enjoy the world... while I try to save it."

"Wait, you're one of the good guys!? You're joking, right?"

"Meh, I might be a bit violent, but somebody needs to lead these people! I'm probably gonna join the guard. Before you know it, I'll be a captain."

"In that case, I'll stick with you."

"No, Jack. I have to do this on my own. Please, go fend for yourself. You are now free to forge your own destiny. I hope you do so without making the same mistake that lead you into jail in the first place."

"Good bye, then..."

"Good bye, Jackwell Richend."

[Xorlak]

(Drannic, you did not mention in your PM that you wished to use a boat that traveled tens of thousands of miles per hour.  Please go back and read the rules on travel, especially the one about leaving one place and arriving at another in the same post.)

- Above Gros Morne, in the Lightning Wyvern-


Vincent pulled his lip up on at the remark, but wasn't in the mood to argue.  "Right."  He tucked the giant crystal under his arm and ran after Kronos, struggling to stay on two legs as the ship began to teeter.  He followed the Sovereign down hallway after hallway, through hordes of irate and confused Lizard Men.

[Dude Man]

- Above Tjedon in The Dhaos -

"This ship appears to be empty." Duilin stated.

He walked through the ship, nobody was inside.

"Heheh, I think the other ship, was the one with the lizard men in it." Duilin chuckled.

The two, headed their way towards the cockpit, where there were the pilot seats and the communications orb. Duilin had no idea how to work it, since he wasn't ever trained in how to use airships, back when he was with the empire. He didn't see any sort of manual so he would be unable to do anything.

"Hmm, they're too far. What are we going to do?" Duilin asked. "Hmm..."

Duilin walked back to the deck of the ship.

"Ben, do you know much about airships? I know how to use a boat, and they're somewhat similar in controls. We might want to get the others." Duilin rubbed his temples. "I should have thought this through." He mumbled.

---

- Tjedon, Mountainous Region of Tjed -

"Okay." Lagart said nodding to Jacobie. "Bye."

Lagart walked back into the house were Bell and Rink were, they appeared to be in the middle of a conversation.

"I don't know. But I'm worried that if he goes through with this, he'll get hurt...or killed." Bell said pacing back and forth.

"You'd be surprised at just how much he's lived through."

"But all those stories he's told me. He was with other people doing them. But with Zeros' gone and the others who've seemed to be lost, it's almost like he's on his own."

"He has Bjendell, he seems talented enough."

"Yeah...I guess. But I'm still worried; I can't stop worrying about him. I don't know, what if we both go with him when he tries to face Retan?"

"That'd be too dangerous Bell." Rink said. "You'd just get in the way. Me and Lagart can fight, but let's be honest, you can't."

"No...I can't..." Bell sighed. "It's not like I want too, it's just that...I care a lot for Duilin..."

"Yeah, yeah. I get it." Rink noticed Lagart was standing in the doorway. "Wow, for a big guy you sure are quiet. What's up?"

"Jacobie left."

"Did he say where he was going?" Bell asked.

"No."

"Did you bother to ask?"

"No."

Rink rolled his eyes. "Ack. So any word from Duilin or Bjendell?"

"No."

"Okay...I'll see if I can contact him."

"How?"

"Telepathic mind powers." Rink said in a joking voice, despite the fact he was totally serious.

[Drannic_Lord01]

- Above Tjedon in The Dhaos -

"Hmm... I do recall helping a man named Thand repair a few air-ships, much like this one. I guess I could give it a try. I'll head down to the cockpit." Ben walked into the ship and began to mess around a bit with the control system. A bunch of green and red lights flickered as his hands moved around the control system. (I'm going to assume Duilin will follow)

"Apparently, this ship is named the Dhaos. It shows our current location in relavence to the location of some sort of tower on Terian... I belive this is where Retan normally resides." Ben used the controls again and got the ship to turn around, in order to follow the other ships in the fleet.

"The resinator emmiter on one of the two ships is under water... one of the ships must have crashed into the ocean. There appears to be another ship, the Death Evan, that is in the general area, a few miles to the west. I've turned the ship to follow the Death Evan. It seems that the Velkens may have defeated the Lizardmen or may not have. Point is, I'm not so sure what to do next. If we're heading after them, merely push this button."

------------
- Tel Vos, Arctic Region -

"Uhhh... I'm running out of mana. Gonna have to stop blasting this thing off." Jacobie took his hands out of the water and grabbed the paddles that were inside. He could see the shore of the Arctic Region, lined with giant war galleons and fast fire ships. Snow fell down from the skies around all the ships.

Jacobie paddled slowly, as he was running low on energy. In a few moments, however, he reached the shore. He placed both the padles back into the boat and got out on the snowy land. The earth was very strong in this region, and very cold. It was nothing more than an ice cap. The lizardman walked out into the land a bit more and saw a large colony of pavillions. The biggest one was in the center, and the flap was open.

"Hello? I'm here." To his surprise, Jacobie was confronted by a female lizardman captain, A-Class. He was surprised that there were females of that class.

"Commander! We have long awaited your arrival. Our lordship has already left and told us all that we are now under your command. How may I serve?"

"I need detailed information on the general area... and why I'm here as well."

"Ah yes, of course sir. Our scouts are on patrol as we speek. And why you are here? To quell a rebelion that has started. The king of this area has returned to the lands from being away aftetr a while. Some of his subjects felt rather less... intimidated while he was away, and are trying to get him out again, hence the rebelion. Unfortunately, the rebels outnumber us five to one, but we have much stronger weapons, armor, and soldiers. The royal guard of the fortress nearby has also offered their help, as the king is allied to the Dark Empire."

"Hmm... thank you for the report. Anything else I should know?"

"Though the rebels are quite weak, they do have powerful mages. Also, a few bandits have taken to their side as well. They will have a nice enough stock of bows and arrows, so the men are prepared for a ranged attack."

"Make sure to keep their armor thicker around the joints and the neck."

"Yes my lord. You may use this tent as your personal quarters, and feel free to call upon the slaves for anything you need."

"Slaves...... Uh, yes, I will. Good day, captain..."

"Captain Zabel, sir."

"Right. I'll try to remember." The femal captain left the tent, and Jacobie was alone with five slaves, all chained to eachother. The key to the shackles was on his desk. Jacobie walked over to the desk and picked up the key.

"No slaves on my watch." The lizardman then unlocked all of the chains of the slaves and all left the tent... all but one. A young human woman.

"What's the matter? Leave! Get out of here while you can!" The woman did not budge. Jacobie put a hand on her arm, but she shrugged him off.

"Are you crazy!? You've got to get out of here! You're free!"

"None of us are free," at last she said, "even if we were to leave, we would die on our own. With no food, water, or way to defend ourselves, we would die..."

"*sigh* I suppose so... but you still have a better chance if you're free."

"No... I will die, like the others."

"It can't be helped then. You can stay here for now."

"Thank you."

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

[Dude Man]

- Above Tjedon in The Dhaos -


"Um, I'm not totally sure if we should go after them just yet. Like maybe we should talk to the others before leaving just like that." Duilin replied. "Maybe you could try and get this thing started up and maybe see if you can use the communications orb thing to contact the Velken's ship."

Duilin put his hand on his head.

"Wait, a second I think Rink is trying to talk to me. Hold on a second." Duilin took a few steps backwards, and then sent a telepathic message to Rink.

"Hey, is everything okay down there?"

"Jacobie took off, he didn't say where he was going.' Rink replied. 'How are things up there?"

"Could be better, but still not that bad. This ship is empty, maybe we could take it."

"Bell suggested we go to Kandarin, and try and form an alliance, at least a tempoary one."

"You mean the Sovereignty? I don't know, aren't they like some death cult worshiping their ruler?"

"I'll admit they're not the best bunch, but if we're going to defeat the empire we need all the help we can get. The Kandarinians apparently have the strongest military in Gaian, next to the Dark Empire."

"Well, I guess it's worth a shot. But I don't think they'll be too thrilled to see a Dark Empire ship coming towards them, they'll likely open fire or something."

"We'll fly some white flags or something. They'll think we're a ship surrendering. They might buy it."

"Okay, but I'm still a little iffy. Me and Ben are gonna try and get this airship figured out and try to move it a little closer so you and Lagart can come aboard."

"Bell actually wants to come along."

"Really? Well, if we're going to Kandarin...then maybe. But I don't know. It's too dangerous. Why?"

"She's worried about you Duilin. She says she'll feel better if she comes along. I told her it'll be too dangerous, but it's your call."

"I'll think about it."

Duilin then turned and looked back at Bjendell. "Hey, can you move this a little closer to the city? Like say, around the yard outside of the castle. I want to pick up the others."

[Drannic_Lord01]

"I'm on it!" Ben flipped a few switches and grabbed another control mechanism. He pushed it forwards and down, flying the airship lower to the ground. He then flipped around the controls and hovered it on over to the castle courtyard, as it was the only place with enough space for a ship this size. The ship slowly descended to the ground, and the motors stopped running as it hit the surface of the earth.

"Alright, I'll get her up and running again once we get them all aboard. Oh, and Duilin, a word of advice. I know that there's another person that you don't quite want to leave behind. Hell, I wouldn't feel well with myself either. If you really want them to come along, but still keep a distance from battle, give them a bow." The ship'd boarding ramp automatically fell to the ground as the ship docked into the courtyard.

"Go get your friends; I'll wait here"

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

"I'm not so sure it's a good idea that you remain a slave, though. I suppose I could try to get you to do something else... to make you look like a soldier, or something..."

"..."

"You don't talk much, do you?"

"... No..."

"Hmm... Oh, look at that! There's a suit of armor! Perfect for a human, too. Throw that on and tell me if it fits."

"Um... Could you...?"

"You want help or something?"

"... leave... for a minute?"

"Oh, right, sorry. Yeah..." Jacobie walked outside the pavillion and waited in the cold snow, his back against the pavillion flap. A few moments later, he felt a cold metal tapping on his shoulder.

"Does this look good enough?" The woman looked almost like a perfect knight in silver armor. It was indeed made for decorations, but Jacobie paid no mind. He took a katana sheath off his belt, the chillmaul, and handed it to the woman.

"This is... for me?"

"When we enter combat, which is most likely to be soon, you'll want this weapon. It has a cold enchantment on it. Here, let's get you back inside, I can see you shivering." The woman went back into the pavillion, along with Jacobie. Probably out of habbit, the woman sat on the ground next to the shackles.

"You're not going to get any warmer like that. Here, the bed's got some open room. Rest there for now." The woman got up softly, still in the bulky armor, and laid down on an elegant bed in the back of the giant pavillion.

"... Thank you again..."

"I didn't catch your name."

"Um... Ka-ka... I can't remember..."

"Let me see if I can figure it out." Jacobie walked over to the bed and put a scally hand on the woman's helmet. He took it off and put it next to the ground, then placing his hand on her forehead.

"K-A-R-M-A-N-D-A-L-L-A... Karmandalla?"

"Um, yes... I think..."

"Did you have a nickname your friends used to call you by or something?"

"What's a friend?"

"Nevermind... did you have a nickname? A shorter version of your name, I mean... something the other slaves, or slave masters knew you by?"

"Karma..."

"Hmm... I probably wouldn't want to be called that, seeing as how that was your slave name. What do you want me to call you by?"

"Karmandalla."

"Your full name?"

"Yes, please."

"Okay, if you say so. I'm sure I'll be able to come up with something later though!" The lizardman smiled and removed his hand. This woman appeared to be devoid of life away from the empire, and a bit under-educated. Seeing as how Jacobie was an A class lizardman, nearly an S class just for his intelligence, He might want to take her on as an apprentice. Yet something felt odd about this human, he told himself.

"I... forgive me, but I've always thought lizardmen... were evil creations... made by the dark emporer."

"Not me. I was born a halfbreed. I'm actually half dark elf, or drow in their native tongue. That's why my spells are much greater than the other lizardmen. My father was an S class lizardman, and a former general for the dark empire... but I don't like talking about him much."

"... Why are you...?"

"Why am I what?"

"Being... nice to me?"

"Because I feel sorry for you. I try to stop slavery wherever I can find it. It's just inhumane."

"Spare me your pity, lizard."

"But also because I think you've got potential."

"... what?"

"I'd like to take you on as my apprentice, it that's okay with you."

"Potential... to be what?"

"Exactly. What. Whatever you want."

"Ever since I was young, I've seen mages try to buy me from the Dark Empire. I think now they were just trying to free me... like you were. I think... I think I want to be a mage!"

"Then as of this day foreward, You are a slave to nothing but the knowledge you crave. I hereby grant you the title of mage, and as my apprentice, you shal grow strong in the field."

"What do I call you, master?"

"Jacobie. That's what everyone calls me."

"But what about your full name? I want to know it, please!"

"I see little harm in telling you... very well. My full name is Thomas Reincover Jacobie. They all call me Jacobie for short."

"Can I call you Thomas?"

"You can call me whatever, but right now, you need practice." Outside of the pavillion, an alarm was sounding. The rebels must have been attacking.

"Put your helmet on. This will be a good way for me to view the way you fight. I wont let you die out there, so don't worry." The woman put the helm back on her head. It was open, so she could see. Probably a bad idea as the other lizardmen might mistake her for a rebel or bandit. Just then, Jacobie got an idea.

"Here, eat this." The lizardman took out a green, squishy sort of substance and handed it to the woman. She ate it quickly... must have been hungry. Suddenly, all of her features grew and changed color... they turned a scalley green. She even grew a tail.

"That will make them think you're a lizardman, but it only lasts for a short time. I gave you a lot, so you should last the battle. If you get hurt, call my name right away. Let's go!" Jacobie opened the flap from his pavillion and walked out. Sure enough, the woman followed.

"Alright men, what's up?"

"Sir, the rebels are attacking the barricade!"

"Right. Men, CHARGE!!!" The lizardman unsheathed his katana and motioned for Karmandalla to do the same. She did, and held it like he had, with two hands, close to her side. The lizards raced out of their tents and pavillions with large broadswords, maces, cleavers, greathammers, and greatswords. Each of them held their weapons with ease, and sped up to the barricade across the field of tents. Indeed, there were rebels waiting for them.

"I want all fast weapons to outflank them if they get close. Archers, to the barricade! Mages, blast 'em all to hell!" The lizardmen followed the orders given by Jacobie. All of the men were huddled near the barricade. Every single lizardman in this platoon carried both a bow and a melee weapon. Quite an intelligent stradegy. There were few mages, though. An unfortunate turn.

"I sssee themss!!!"

"Hold your fire until I give the word." Rebels with longswords and maces charged into the front of the barricade.

"Let loose your arrows! Fire at will!" The arrows from the bows of the lizards made sure not a single rebel made it into the camp. However, that did not stop them from comming in. More of them charged the gate.

"Aim! Fire!" The wave was a bit less successful this time, as a few rebels made it in. They were quickly cut down, however.

"We Hasss no more arrowsss!"

"Ready your melee weapon!" The lizards then got out the weapon assigned to them. Just then, an army of rebels, this time more organized, marched along the snowy paths to the barricade.

"Ready... Set... ATTACK!!!"

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

[Trent]

//Okay, here I go.

Drake phased in behind Anti.
"...You're late," said the astral demon.
"I do apologize. But... it's time."
Anti turned around to look at him. "You're serious?"
"That's right... We will fuse right here and now, and immediately lay waste to this pathetic planet!!"
"Alright!" Anti seemed fired up now. He powered down, his faux-hair disappearing, facial features fading, and color returning to purple. He shot forward, and slammed into Drake, starting to enter his body. Drake started to laugh maniacally, and a sphere of darkness appeared around him, concealing the transformation that was occurring.


Zion was panting heavily, at the battlefield where the Velkens' battle took place. He had powered down to his normal form due to fatigue. Xenai, Tsu, and Aura had arrived near him. "So," asked Xenai, "How'd you do?"
"Really well, I think."
The energy then hit them like a train.
"Holy shit!!! What the fuck?!?!" Xenai was literally freaking out.
Aura could detect energies with more delicacy and finesse, and thus could tell what was going on. "The energies of Zerobi no Anti and Drake Genais are... fusing..."
"Fusing?!" Tsu could barely believe what he was hearing.
"We have to get over there, now!!!" Zion took off, and the other three followed.


"Haa...
      Haa...
            Haa...
                  Ultimate power..."
The being that stood there now largely resembled Drake Genais. He had slightly tanner skin, and completely white hair (and facial hair). His clothes had been replaced with a skintight black bodysuit, with full black armor, black gauntlets, and black boots. Zion and the others, who had kicked it into hyper overdrive... arrived just in time to see it. "Welcome, inferior beings! I have become the ultimate power. You may call me Void."
Zion was shuddering. "It's... immense..."
Xenai was sweating like crazy. "My god..."
Aura was hiding behind Tsu, who was visibly scared.
"Look how you fools tremble. You can feel it... I'm superior to you in every way." Suddenly, a being shot in extremely fast from behind Void... slashing through him. It was Mugen Seijin... with his sword, Transcender. "UGH!! You! That cursed sword!"
"There's no way I can just sit back and watch now, especially knowing what's going to happen next! I'm supposed to be the guardian!"
"What's going to happen next?!" Zion looked at him with widened eyes.

Void cackled. "Now to use that weapon I'd spent all that time working on! Come, Doom Weapon!!!"

The ground shook like crazy, and some... thing started to emerge from the ocean. It didn't look very humanoid, but still had the basic shape of arms, legs, and body. It was pure black, all over, and had an opening in the center of its body for Void. Oh, and last but not least - It was fucking huge.

Void floated over, inserting himself into the weapon. The weapon then started to move around, responding to Void's will. "Excellent... Works perfectly. Now... Time to destroy the world! Omega Fist!!!" The entire weapon started to glow with the same blood red energy that Anti was. And it was a heavy glow. The weapon shot high up into the air, connecting its wrists.

"Shit!" Xenai had snapped out of his terror, as well as the other three. "After him!" They all shot up towards him, along with Seijin. The Doom Weapon was charging up an inconceivably powerful wave of energy in its hands. It would easily destroy Gaian.

Seijin looked around at the four fighters, then back at Transcender. He floated over to Aura. "Take it."
"Seijin... you're giving away Transcender?" Zion was puzzled.
"I would do this myself if I could perform New Forever. But I can't."
"Wait, New Forever?" Tsu was curious. "You want us to use New Forever?"
"Yes. Put all the energy that you can into Transcender. Use it against the energy wave!"
"I see..." Aura grabbed the sword and looked it over. She no longer needed her scimitar if this was hers... She dropped the obsolete sword into the ocean. "Zion, Xenai! Let's go!"
Zion and Xenai appeared next to her, and started to build up energy. "Hey, hey," said Xenai. "Let's not sacrifice our weapons this time. We don't need to, since we're dealing with Transcender. Just put all the energy you can handle in it."
"Got it." Zion nodded at him.

"Say goodbye, Gaian!!!" Void cackled maniacally, and pointed the weapon's hands down at the group of fighters.

"Here it comes! Do it now!" Tsu yelled to the others.

"Alright..." "...Take this!" Zion and Xenai then forced their energy into Aura, who felt its effects immediately. "Holy crap! This is... amazing!"
"What are you waiting for! Do it now!" Seijin yelled at her.

"It's over! Everything is over! DIE!!!"
<Awesome cut-ins>
"Armageddon Wave!!!"
"New Forever!!!"

The gargantuan wave shot forward, just as the tremendous energy shot into the sword. Aura posed like a batter, waiting for the wave to come in range. "Now! Transcender!" The sword glowed heavily, as she swung and made contact with the wave. She started to push... but she was being pushed back!

"No!!! Omega Fist!" Tsu pointed his hand at her, and sent all the powerup energy he could into her. "Divine Fist!" Seijin did the same thing. Zion and Xenai were totally spent, though, and could do nothing. So it was two waves of energy being shot into a girl who was pushing with a glowing sword against an energy wave that could destroy the world. They were now neck and neck.

"Inconceivable..." Void's eyes widened. "How could they do even this well against the Armageddon Wave?"

Suddenly, something happened. Something... went wrong. The energy from the wave began to implode. Transcender's reaction should have been to send it away, far far far far away. But it malfunctioned, due to how powerful the Armageddon Wave was. Seijin noticed it. "No.... This can't happen!"

The energy wave imploded and created a black hole. Before the four fighters could do something about it... they were sucked in. The Doom Weapon fell apart, and was sucked in as well. "No! This can't be happening! No! NOOOO!!!" And Void was last to go before the hole closed off... Leaving a stunned, horrified Seijin.

"...No... I can't believe it... I saved the world... But lost my friends!"
"Seijin..." Gaia had appeared a few feet behind him. Seijin turned to face her. "...I take it you know what happened."
"Yes. You're... so much like a human. It's what makes you an excellent god. But you know well... You are forced to make a decision. These decisions that hurt you, they are what make you stronger. I am sorry for your loss. I truly am. But you had to make that choice. It was not wrong to choose the world over your friends. It may have been the only choice anyways. But you will overcome that pain and become a stronger god... no, a stronger person."
"Gaia... Thanks." Seijin floated over to her and hugged her, while she merely smiled.
"Besides... You gave away Transcender, to a woman with much potential. With that, your friends may be able to come back someday."
"You're right... I never thought of that."
"Come... We'll return to your cloud." Seijin flew back with her to the sword cloud...


And just like that... It was over. The flyboys were gone. Zerobi no Anti was gone. Drake Genais was gone. Would they be back? Who knows. Only time will tell.

//And thus, I make my leave. Thanks for being so awesome, guys! Very Happy

[Xorlak]

(Awesome outro.  Take care, and do return!)

- Above the ocean, west of Tjed -


"Oh... uh, thanks."

Renard nodded at Riuki as they flew back towards Tjed.  Behind them the dismal skies of the Dark Continent loomed, and ahead the jagged green peaks of Tjed cut above the horizon.

To be honest, he was hugely relieved to see her.  The majority of Renard's spells required multiple casters to be effective.  Alone, he was practically worthless... He hated being so dependent on others...

Riuki, however, was talented in many fields.  Though she was officially a Blade Knight, she also knew a good deal of spells.  And she fought with that strange, exotic sword... She could hold her own in battle by herself, and he envied that.  She'd probably make a fine squad leader like Sir Rikarl some day.

If Retan didn't destroy them all and enslave Gaian...

Little Emile was old enough to fly on her own of course, and she held on to her older brother's hand as they soured through the air.  He could see her ears shrink back as the blue-vested Velken approached.  "It's okay, Emile, this is Riuki, a friend.  Say hello to her."

"... Hello, Riuki..."  The little fox girl timidly said, waving her free hand.

Renard smiled.  "She's a little shy."

He turned his attention forward again.  Soon the beaches of the island passed beneath and they made their way over the mountains, back towards the capital city...

----

- Tjedon, house -


Ven wasn't feeling all that well...

His head swam, and he saw splotches.  He vaguely remembered being in a cold, dark place, but he knew the memory was merely the remnants of a mostly forgotten dream.  

The shapeless masses before him melded together into somewhat coherent forms.  He lay in bed, rather comfortably, as the sounds become clear voices and the splotches became faces...

... of... gray... foxes...?

"GAH!!"

Ven shot up in bed and pulled him self back against the headboard.  Demons!  Those... silver... blood-thirsty demon things!!

"Shhhhh..."  The one hovering over him put a finger to her muzzle.  "You must take it easy..."  The gray vixen had an unexpectedly soothing voice.  She literally floated above him, clad in a bright white robe.  Was this a demon... or an angel?

"Lady Urocy, we'd best get going."  Ven followed the voice to his right, finding another one of the creatures-- this one black clad like all the others he'd seen and clutching a spear in his inhuman hands.

The female brought a claw-tip to her chin.  "Hmmm... humans seem to have a harder time recovering... but you will be just fine.  Stay in bed for at least a full day, though."

She floated over to the window, he black tipped tail flowing behind her.  "And drink plenty of fluids.  Also, chicken soup wouldn't hurt."

"Uh... yes, ma'am..."

With that, all the creatures zipped out of the window, closing it behind them.  Ven fell back into the bed.  Ugh.  He was having a very bad day indeed...