Day 1: The Battle of Cathmul Forest
1."GAAAAAHH!!!"
Aionna fought with intense fury and determination against the numerous soldiers of the Black Union. She swung her steel battle pole with such elegance and power, spinning her weapon as she twirled around. Foes were thrown backward by the harsh impact, and were given broken ribs, shattered arms, and severed faces as a deadly result. Blood spilled upon the ground like fountains of crimson water when she threw daggers into their weak throats and beating hearts. Aionna was a ferocious warrior upon the battlefield, taking down the enemies who got in her way.
Illyana, take their heads! "Keep fighting! They're losing their strength!" were her words to her brave beasts and valorous men who had been fighting for hours in the Forest of Cathmul. Many of them had been lost, but there were more casualties for the followers of darkness. Suddenly, a great dragon of ice shot down through the canopy, sending out powerful waves of chill from her maw to freeze the attackers. Once frozen, she would slam into them with her body, sending them into shards. The dragon's massive tail became a lethal weapon, slicing fragile bodies in half. Gore blanketed the earth from
Illyana's tremendous power. She roared at the moon in terrible anger. Morning would soon arrive, and following it would be a memorable victory.
2. “Tiani hurry up! The battle will be over before we get to show our skill.”
Tandri called to his brother as he hurried through the trees towards the fight.
Tiani quickened his pace until he was beside Tandri. “We are going to get into a lot of trouble for this. If not from father from the Queen herself! We’re not soldiers, we do not belong here!” he said expressing his worry. Tandri slid to a halt and grabbed his twins arm making him stop as well. “Tiani this is our chance to show what great warriors we are! The Queen will have no choice but to recruit as her personal bodyguards when she sees our skill!” Tandri boasted making Tiani chuckle softly. “Here.” Tandri continued unsheathing twin scimitars and handing one to Tiani. “Where did you get these?” Tiani asked as he inspected the blade. “I…borrowed them.” Tiani frowned and looked to Tandri. “We’ll be returning them afterwards. But for now, we have a fight to win.” The twins grinned at each other then took off running until suddenly they burst into the centre of the battle. Without a word they began fighting, working together as if they were one, Twirling and diving, eliminating enemies one after the other.
3. Despite the fact that
Aionna Icelove noticed the twins far off, she let them go considering the fact that fighting against the Black Union would help make up for the trouble they had caused for Sar'dan. Though, she
did have her doubts since she didn't know how much training they have had. However, this wouldn't get them excused from a later scolding. Even though they were troublemakers, she did care for their safety. If anything were to happen, she'd be sure she was there to aid them. It was then she had noticed a black raven with glowing red eyes fly past above the battle scene and the Queen knew they were being watched. "Aldous," she growled angrily.
I've told you before... I'm not the enemy, Aionna, came a stern voice within her head,
I merely wish to aid you. "Take your dark magic and leave! I don't need help from you, you wretched creature!" she burst.
Very well. One last word before I leave you to your ego. There is a march of Minotaurs from the north, coming through the caves. I would watch your back. The raven's eyes flickered and
Aldous was gone.
4.A figure stood fifty meters out from the battlefield watching how the battle in the forest went.
Trinity knew she wouldn't get involved unless hired for a nice profit. She found a nice peaceful feeling spot in the shadow of a tree and watched how countless people were doomed to die on this battlefield of death. As she watched a few members of the Dark Union forces were scrambling yelling about a dragon. She smiled at how weak these people were as she stayed in her spot under the tree. The soldiers made their way by her and believed they came across easy prey out in the forest. The men quickly surrounded Trinity and drew their weapons and aimed them at her. Trinity shook her head and fired both her hidden pistols from within her sleeves killing two the soldiers. The other two took defensive stances with their shields in front of them, but watched as Trinity melted into the ground and disappeared with astonishment on their faces. The next second later both of them were on the ground with blood gushing from their throats as Trinity walked away annoyed at the talent the Black Union was allowing to join their ranks.
5. It was almost like watching small children try to stand up to their parents. Watching from a cliff top behind the Black Union soldiers,
Craous knew his troops were going to loose this one. As a matter of fact, he had banked on that precise outcome. He glared at the dragon, who was putting too quick an end to this battle where Craous wanted to properly assess the strengths of the the other kingdoms. It was clear to him that they thought themselves all powerful or immortal. Raising both hands, Craous shot a large fireball unerringly at the dragon. It would not die, but it would char it something fierce. Another, more accurate fireball was shot at the obnoxious twins. He watched with some satisfaction as both hit their targets. He didn't want to kill anyone. He just wanted this battle to last a little bit longer.
6. There was a shout from
Dokuja as she dealt a powerful round-house kick to the head of a Black Union fighter, instantly sending her poison careening into his skin from just the touch. She always used her poisons on her skin when in battle, even if moves like that kick broke the necks of her victims. She screamed in anger and anguish at another enemy and her bright green snake eyes narrowed on him as her well-hidden throwing needles left her fingertips, covered in her poison. They hit their marks, landing squarely in the enemies' throats and chests, making their throats instantly swell or their hearts rupture and stop. She made small time to retrieve her needles and recoat them in her poison by passing them from one hand to the other, but as she did, her feet moved quickly as she ran between attackers, her hands and feet just barely gracing her enemies, but against their throats and eyes, so that they would suffocate or go blind, leaving them susceptable to not only her allies but their own companions as well. She quickly found Aionna and crouched low beside her before sending a needle up through the throat of an ogre-like creature, growling as she twisted it to break his windpipe as well. She turned to Aionna and narrowed her eyes. "Must this really last so long?!" she growled. "What happened to our reinforcements
?"
7. A shadow, wrapped in dark green blending with the area, seemed to move swiftly through the forest, racing through the patches of light that streamed down from the high branches of the thick woods. A streak of silver, lite up at times by the sunlight, shown from under the dark green. The shadow stopped, as if a shadow need to rest, on a thick branch of a tall oak tree. The dark green laid over the branch, in folds like fabric, as the shadow leaned back against the tree. With a sigh, if shadows could sigh, a light skinned lean hand came out from under the dark green cloak, raising up and pulling back a hood. Long silvery hair escaped from the hood, revealing the light skinned face of a young man, only about fourteen seasons/years old. Reid sighed again. "Rest...I need to rest.... I can't keep racing like this...." he spoke softly to himself. "I don't even know where I am running to...dang dream calling to me..."
8. Aionna, irritated that the reinforcements hadn't arrived. "They should be here soon, Dakuja. After we win this battle they'll have my scolding for being so damn late!" she roared viciously, sending her battle pole through the skull of an enemy. "Apparently, there are Black Union Minotaurs coming through the mountains. We should do our best to eradicate the last of these fiends before the monsters show themselves." Illyana, take to the skies and search for our allies! They could be lost! Lead them here before it's too late. There are Minotaurs on their way! Hurry! "Soldiers of the Alliance!! Take down your enemies swiftly! We're running out of time! Minotaurs are coming! It's almost dawn!" The powerful blue dragon took to the skies right after being hit from painful Black Union magic. Once she drew closer to her rider, she bellowed, "Perfect timing, Aionna! It will give me time to mend my wounds!" Then Illyana vanished beyond the trees as she searched frantically for the missing reinforcements. Before she knew it, dragons and giant condors poured down from the sky, aiming their noses to the Black Union ranks. Those that could do magic, sent waves of fire at the adversaries and the rest tore into their dark prey mercilessly. "Well, it's about time!" Illyana screamed at them while watching an army of two hundred Draconians join the Alliance on the battlefield.
9. Craous easily swept aside the fires sent by Aionna's mages. He laughed. Sending mages up against a pyromancer using fire was idiot's work. Especially Draconian mages, who Craous had encountered far too numerously to worry about. "Get those Minotaurs here!" he bellowed down the hill to his second in command. The man nodded and ran off at lightning speeds. Craous watched as in the distance a mass of movement doubled in speed. The Minotaurs were almost here. He laughed again. A feral howl ripped from him, and his troops started fighting twice as hard. He watched as groups of them brought down Draconians left and right. He howled again and saw the Alliance troops who were near shaking in sudden fear. Craous watched those troops get slaughtered by his men.
10. From inside the woods, just out of the fight, the sound of some sort of animal came from the underbrush. A white lynx, spotted to match the light that filtered through the trees, darted quickly towards the battle. Jezra leaped over fallen trees, bushes, and snaked her way under bramble. She came out on the clearing where the battle raged and looked around for only a moment. Snaking her way through legs and past skirmishes, she made short work of the battle and found herself near enough to Aionna to transform. Turning back into a woman took a moment, but not a long one. "My lady, they are almost here. The Minotaurs are doubling their speed." When a sword swung towards her, she sent a blast of fire into the man's face.
11. The large fireball from Craous knocked Tiani and Tandri to the ground. Tandri gave a loud groan as he slowly pulled himself to his feet. He was glad that the fireball had also scared off the few enemies that had surrounded them moments before as he needed time to recover. "Tiani?" he asked turning round to locate his brother who was sitting on the ground against a fallen tree looking very unimpressed. "Whats wrong?" Tandri asked curiously as he retrieved his scimitar from the ground. "I'm stuck..." Tandri replied causing Tiani to begin laughing uncontrollably. "That stupid fireball knocked this tree over as well...my arm is trapped underneath." Tiani approached his brother still chuckling to himself. "Good thing its the metal arm." he said as he tried to push the tree back to free his brother but with no luck. "Yeah thats true. Theres no pain..." Tiani suddenly stopped as his eyes fell on something behind Tandri. "Brother..." he whispered then raised his free hand and pointed. Tandri quickly turned round and gasped when he saw a group of black union soldiers moving towards them, swords drawn as they grinned menacingly. He raised his scimitar slowly with a shaking hand then suddenly rushed forward to meet the soldiers. Without Tiani his fighting was weak but he avoided serious injury as he fought. Tiani struggled to release his arm, unable to watch his brother fight alone.
12. Trinity smiled with satisfaction as all the forces from both sides were taking major hits. She knew what would happen if she joined the fight in this forest. "Everything would change upon the sight of an assassin on the battlefield of death," as her mother said her quote over and over again in her days of youth. Trinity knew better then to get involved though and if either were to locate her. Then she would sentenced to death or forced to fight alongside the soldiers of either side until this war was brought to a final close. She made her way a little closer to the battlefield easily dodging surveillance and projectiles that had missed their marks on their targets.
13. The rumbling from the landing fireballs shook the earth beneath Dokuja's feet and she growled as she struggled to keep her balance. She looked around quickly after taking out the throat of another enemy and spat on his body, making the skin and muscle sizzle away to nothing but a mucousy pile. Her bright green eyes noticed a group of Dark Union soldiers that seemed to be congregating around something--or someone--and when they broke for her to see, if only briefly, she caught sight of the twins. One was fighting them off and the other seemed trapped under a tree and was completely open to attack. She growled and looked at Aionna, her mind arguing with the urge to stay and protect her friend, before she finally took out a last enemy that was drawing dangerously near with one of her throwing needles. She retrieved it as she changed course and ran for the twins, letting out another angry battle cry as she landed among their miniature battle. She took out several of them through simply kicks and punches alone, her hands swiping to grace their throats, heads, legs and even their groins before her powerful kicks sent them to the ground where she stomped on their throats or broke their necks. She eventually stole a sword from one, weilding it expertly as she took out soldiers one by one until there were very few left. "Think you can handle the rest?!" she growled at Tandri, then headed for Tiani and frowned down at his trapped arm. "Stop dawdling and get up!" she hissed at him, before dropping to the ground and slipping her feet against the tree trunk. With powerful legs, she began to push on the fallen tree, struggling to shift it with gritted teeth.
14. Seeing the commotion in the distance, Jezra knew she could do no more good where she was. She transformed into her lynx form, weaving through the skirmishes towards the twins. Leaping onto a Union soldier, she tore out his throat and bounded off him, towards Tiani. She transformed midair, landing in a crouch, and smiled at him. "Still getting tripped up by him?" she asked jokingly before throwing a fireball at the log, disintegrating the thing. Turning, she ran back into the fray, leaving the twins to their own devices again.
15. Before Tiani could reply to Jezra she was gone so he turned his head slowly to look at Dokuja who was sat beside him with her feet now sitting in an ash pile. He smiled looking embarassed as lifted the previously trapped arm and flexed the fingers to make sure they still worked fine. "Thank you." he said before jumping to his feet and grabbing his scimitar and looking towards his brother who was slashing the throat of the final soldier from the group. "Yeah thanks..." Tandri said sarcastically. "But I didn't need your help." he turned and moodily began moving off towards another group of soldiers. "Come on Tiani..." he called as Tiani shook his head in disbelief at his brothers stupidity. "I'm sorry." he whispered to Dokuja before taking off after his brother.
16. "Ungrateful little bastards." Dokuja grumbled under her breath with an annoyed hiss of air between her lips. She got up and brushed the ash away from herself before looking towards the battlefield again. Surrounded by dead bodies, she found a split moment to be peaceful as she watched the destruction and bloodshed, seeing a dark mass moving through the trees towards them.. The gound started to vibrate beneath her pale, bare feet, and she looked down before looking towards Aionna. What would they do against the minotaur herd if their draconian reinforcements were so busy cleaning up everything else..?
17. Aionna scanned the area, keeping an eye out for anymore attackers. She killed every one of those who stood in her way as she cut a path for Craous. "Craous!!" she screamed as she grew a hidden sorrow for her fallen fellow Draconians. Furious, Aionna had no time for tears, for her heart was consumed by vengeance. "Craous! You'll pay for what you've done! Then I'll send your head to Vincent Black and your body will be a feast for scavengers, you vile creature! I suggest you run, coward!" Illyana, what do you think you're doing! Get down here and join the fight. You're not excused yet! Aionna threw her pole aside before drawing her twin blades.
18. Well, excuse me, Illyana growled as she made her way to the fight. Aldous was correct in assuming you had an extreme ego. You just abandoned Dakuja and you throw yourself out at soldiers, attacking them mercilessly with no one to aid you in case something horrible happens. You're not immortal, Aionna! You can't expect to go out in the middle of the enemy and expect to survive. What are you doing! If you die, Sar'dan will crumble and not to forget to mention that I'll end up dying as well. We feel each other's pain, Aionna. Illyana sighed, feeling understanding now. Aionna... I know you're hurting by the numbers taken from your race... I feel it, too, but please listen to me. Stand down. She knew her rider was ignoring her, so she had no choice but to join Aionna in her charge towards Craous. "Aionna, you're going to kill yourself," she said once she reached the queen.
19. "Then I'll die for my people," Aionna finally replied in a much calmer tone. Her mind was set on taking Craous' life. Even if she would fail, at least she would die with the knowledge that she tried her best. That was all that mattered to her now. "Craous!!!" she screamed, putting power to her words of fury. With Illyana's help, she managed to turn Black Union soldiers into bloody feed for crows and ravens. With much success, the Alliance was able to take out the weaker enemy soldiers; however, they had little time before the minotaurs arrived. Then finally, Aionna went searching for Craous with extreme determination. Sadly enough, that determination turned into the enemy's weapon. An adversary of magic crawled up from the shadows of the ground, which was littered with dead. It only took a single touch to her bare skin to send an immobilization spell into her body. Aionna's muscles contracted, causing her to become temporarily paralyzed. The dark mage took the opportunity to seize her weapons and use them against her. Illyana roared, frightening the creature away, but was unfortunately too late. The mage had missed Aionna's vital organs, but she was losing blood fast, unable to mend them herself due to her difficult state. "We have to pull... back..." she said weakly. "We don't... have enough to defend.... against the Minotaurs..." Now unconscious, the queen fell to the earth as her dragon bellowed for help.
20.In an instant, a pure white dragon landed in front of Aionna and stared into Illyana's eyes for a moment. There was an odd, somber shroud around the serene creature as it picked up the Draconian woman with his mouth and placed her upon his back. Illyana followed the mysterious dragon until it met up with Dakuja and gently placed down the wounded queen before the feet of the leader over the Sandurn survivors. "Take care of her," he said calmly. "I will aid the dragons in taking you and the remaining soldiers back to Sar'dan. It would be best, for the Minotaurs will surely slaughter you mercilessly. There aren't enough of you to hold them back." Without further warning, all of the warrior dragons took landing and waited for the last of the soldiers to ride them home. "You must hurry."
21. Trinity watched from the sidelines with a small smirk on her face, "This conflict will definitely require the deaths of many individuals if one side wants a complete and utter victory," she said then walked into the shadows of a world that no man could get into anymore. As she walked down this shadowed corridor she saw the noble leaders of the kingdoms that were involved in today's bloody warfare. She knew that things were about to get real sentimental and heavy when preparing for the next battle upon the next battlefield of death. The only thing she didn't know was which side she would take.
22. Watching as Aionna fell to one of the many shadow warriors, Craous smiled to himself. That would certainly put a damper on the Alliance's once sought after victory. He smiled to himself until he saw the tell tale signs of skilled pyromancy that could only be his daughter. His troops had orders not to kill her, but he knew she could be injured. His sensible side told him that she brought it upon herself. But as he watched longer, a sense of pride began to well in him at her skill in combat. He laughed as he watched the Alliance soldiers begin the retreat.
23. Jezra found herself quickly in the fray, though she managed to stick close to where the Alliance troops were. Her small flame sprite caught up with her and in its high pitched voice started berating her. "You go with dragons! Save self!" Jezra nodded and fell back to where the twins were. "We need to go with the others," she said quickly, glancing once at where her father stood, still on the hill overlooking the battlefield. "He is feeling happy today." That fact alone should scare everyone within hearing.
24. Dokuja nodded at the large dragon and looked down at Aionna with a frown of both shame and regret. She knelt beside her friend and sighed. "This might sting a little... but it'll slow the bloodloss." she whispered and swiped a hand over her wounds, causing very little poison to enter them. It wouldn't kill her, but it would slow the bleeding and cause a temporary paralysis so she would not further injure herself. She then pulled herself back, using the bloodied clothes of a fallen Black Union solider beside her to wipe her body free of the last of her poisons before moving to lift Aionna onto her back with a grunt. "Let's go! EVERYONE FALL BACK!" she shouted at the soldiers around her. "GO!"
25. "Yeah lets get out of here." Tiani replied to Jezra as they hurried away from the battle. Tandri looked unimpressed, he saw their retreat as a failure but said nothing as he walked beside them. Tiani glanced to where Jezra was looking at Craous and gave a small nod. "Just forget about him..." he said as he looked towards the dragons. "Are we getting on one of those?" Tandri asked his voice suddenly excited. "We've never been allowed near the dragons." Tiani frowned. "Yeah and we shouldn't be near them now, we shouldn't be here. I think we may be about to get in the worse trouble we've ever been in when we get home...father is going to be furious." Tandri shrugged as he grinned. "I don't care..."
26. Trinity stood in the forest just out of sight of the battlefield debating if she should make a move in front of both sides why they were still in the area. She smirked and cursed under her breath before moving forward entering the battlefield between the two forces that had fought just moments before. She looked at the remaining members of both groups and shook her head before firing her two pistols killing one member from each group before they could react. Trinity then waved and disappeared into the shadows of the ground knowing that no man would ever follow into these halls of true darkness ever again as long as she lived. As she traveled along the shadow routes she wondered what the Two Forces would do next knowing that an Assassin was still alive even though both forces claimed to have wiped them off the face of the planet.
27. Craous saw the assassin and frowned. That she was alive, that was fine. That she supposed she was a god by firing upon two armies at the same time. Now that was foolhardy. He summoned Flit, smiling as the little creature wrapped itself around his neck. His mental wishes were answered, and he was transported through smoke and fire into the shadow realm. It was only his aura that went, his physical body protected by his dragon. He looked at the assassin and smiled. "You need an occupation, dearest."
28. The immense white dragon vanished, leaving the Sar'dan and Sandurn soldiers to flee. "HURRY!" cried Illyana. "All soldiers mount the dragons and flee home! There isn't time to waste! You heard what Dokuja and the white dragon said! Move it!" Illyana picked up her rider Aionna and carefully set her in the saddle. "Dokuja, I need your help strapping Aionna to my back. Quickly, please!" Then she turned her head to move her gaze to Tandri and Tiani saying, "Hey, you two! Don't dilly-daddle! Get on a dragon!" While she waited on Dokuja, she watched as the remaining soldiers climbed up on her dragon-kin who took off flying immediately as soon as the men and women sat. All the Draconians didn't need dragons, for their strength and swiftness alone had them speeding towards Sar'dan through the massive forests.
29. "Ava... Ava..." were the menacing words that Vincent echoed in Ava's mind. The poor girl was frightened to death as she was chained up against the stone wall of her cell. Vincent's men had her tied up in the darkest parts of a dungeon that was engulfed with pungent odors that caused her to feel ill. They had given her odd liquid the color of amber to suppress her magics until they needed them themselves. Her clothes were torn up like dirty rags, having nothing to keep her warm from the chill atmosphere. Rats scurried about the place, crawling over old bones in search of a small meal. Ava watched them as tears fell from her eyes and onto the stone. "Aionna... how could you..." she wept sorrowfully. "You gave me up for the protection of the city... It doesn't matter how you give into Vincent to make peace... He will always attack... he will always burn... Do you now see? You foolishly gave up your last hope for an illusion of peace... Do you now regret it? How long will you keep it a secret?" Talking to the floor was the only thing she could do. Aionna wasn't here. No one could save her. There was little faith now that she had in Sar'dan and her people. However, the only thing she knew that maintained her willingness to live was the fact that her father was planning a revenge and that she had the power to destroy the Black Union's imbalance if ever she had the chance to escape. A pain surged through the side of her face where a wound was hidden by her long, raven hair. It had grown infected along with various other cuts on her bruised and fragile body. "I... need a savior..." she said in despair as she watched as Vincent now entered her somber cage in his Drow Elf form. She knew what was to come...
30. Dokuja nodded at Illyana's words, moving quickly as she hefted Aionna over her shoulder, then moved to the massive dragon's side. She put her over Illyana's back swiftly, though carefully, and tied her down before hopping on herself, keeping one leg pinned over Aionna's knees to make sure she would not fall off. "We're ready! GO!" she hissed.
31. Through a break in the branches above him, Reid saw the massive shadows of dragons. What is going on? Reid thought to himself. Movement on his arm told Reid that his friend, a silver snake had moved from under the cloak. Dragons...what would have brought dragons to the area? Reid asked his companion. The silver snake looked at him before looking back up at the remaining shadows that moved over head. There is a war going on, my friend... it slithered. Reid looked at him. Fix yourself....I am going to follow, they may lead me to the mysterious woman from my dream....they were coming from the direction we had been going... Reid stood up on the branch, pulled the hood of his cloak back over his head, before racing after the shadows of the dragons.
32. Shifting back into her lynx form, Jezra slid under one of the dragons, leaping easily enough so she could cling to the scales with her claws. It wouldn't hurt the dragon, but it would leave an extra spot open for someone else. She gave the dragon a small lick of thanks before it set off towards the city.
33. Trinity looked at the man seeing him in his aura form,"Nice trick you got their, and yes a occupation is something that I need as well as payment for my services," she said now taking in the figure noting every little thing about him in an attempt to find a possible weakness or injury. She then turned around and continued walking along the shadow path until felt the shadow of a giant tree field with apples."Do you wish to hire someone who has my talents of killing to do your bidding?" She continued after stopping to wait for his answer.
34. With a smile and a nod, Craous followed her. "I have work and payment for your completion of the work. While I doubt that one of your skills would have much use for money, I do have other items with which to pay you." He gave her a winning smile, his fangs bared.
35. Trinity smirked,"What work do you have for me to do?" she asked looking at the man directly, a little curious about what she would get paid upon completion.
36. With another smile, Craous looked at her. "For every member of the Alliance you kill and bring me some proof they are dead, I will give you a gem like this," he conjured a red gem, about the size of a button, but glowing with power. "Each one has the ability to cast several simple pyromantic spells or one large one. They are for you to use at your own discretion."
37. "On one condition," Trinity said studying the small orb of power, "May I have the name of one who hires me for services in case crucial information is passed about you?" She asked with a small smile on her face as she stood ready to complete her work to the finale. "Oh and where should I meet you for or next payment session?" she continued without hesitation as the words were spoken by her tongue.
38. "You may call me Craous," he said, giving her another fanged smile. "And be wary. Should you try to betray me, I will find out." He nodded at her and answer the question of 'how' before she asked it. "I have my ways. As far as meeting," he snapped his fingers again and a small white dragon appeared. It had red glowing eyes. Flit's shade. "Send him when you are ready to turn in what you have."
39. A black wolf suddenly appeared in the area with shadows about it moving like slow fire. He growled at them with vicious red eyes. "You don't belong here, Craous!" he growled angrily. "The dark realm isn't to be used for vile purposes. You and Vincent have been making a bad name of it and I won't allow that to continue." Aldous stepped forward, glaring Craous down in sheer hatred as he bared his teeth. Snarling bitterly, he transformed into his elf form. "Come here again and I will kill you," Aldous snapped.
40. Craous laughed. "You cannot kill a shade," he said. "You have to find my body first. Then get past my guards. Then get past Flit. Then get past my body's own instincts. Do not play these games with me, Aldous. You will lose." Craous looked at Trinity again. "Consider my offer," he said before vanishing from the realm.
41. Aldous straightened himself when Craous left he and Trinity in the dark realm. He sighed as he took a short moment to look over at Trinity with a face of disappointment, but he remained calm. He pulled back the hood of his black cloak, revealing his deep brunette hair. "I know you're neutral, same as I, and I know you're doing it as a means of survival. So, I'm not going to ridicule you. I only have a suggestion to you and I hope you will carry it with you. The Black Union is not to be trusted, for they're backs will turn on you one day and your services will be taken advantage of. Remain free of fealties to anyone because no one can be trusted. Do what you must to live, but never lay your life on the line for a kingdom. They will use you and eventually your pay will be cut short due to war. Take care of yourself and I hope we meet again..." It was then that the darkness encased him and he exited the realm with a humble bow.
42. Trinity took the scene with patience and understanding, but she knew what had to be done and with her powers she would have to prove herself loyal to Craous for the time being. She still remembered the day her parents were murdered because of this untimely war. She carefully nodded in response to both the men and walked along the shadows of her ancestors pasts toward the kingdom of Sar'dan to see what her fate will deal her on the arrival of the last assassin into their kingdom. As she continued her travel along these dark hallways of the shadow realm hearing the noises and sounds of the realworld through people's and other things shadows she was reminded of her first visit into the shadow realm with her grandmother who told of the bueaty of shadow chamber that held the greatest treasures that none have ever found. She smiled happily at this thought and what it held for her in future times as she would find this room and dedicate its discovery to her beloved grandmother. Trinity stopped for an instant hearing voices talking about an injured queen that was brought into the kingdom. She knew she had found her destination and exited the shadow realm to explore the real world.
43. At last, the Draconians returned to the city along with the dragons who were carrying the exhausted soldiers. The powerful reptiles landed cautiously on the grass outside of the city gates. Once all of the men and women left their backs, the dragons vanished beyond the tree line. Illyana remained with the army to ensure that her rider was safe. "We underestimated the Black Union and gathered too few numbers to meet them on the battlefield. We should have arranged more." A tear leaked from her blue eyes. "I miss Ava..."
44. Dokuja grunted lightly as she jumped from Illyana's back, then turned and carefully unstrapped and pulled Aionna down with her, catching her easily and cradling her against her chest. Despite her thin stature, Dokuja really could hold more than it seemed. She looked at Illyana and frowned slightly, then shook her head. "Fret not, Illyana... what's done is done, but that does not mean the future is set. There is still time for change." she whispered. She looked towards the trees sadly before turning and heading into the city. "We must get a healer for Aionna. Quickly. My poisons cannot hold off her bleeding for too long, and if I give her any more, I could kill her."
45. Illyana nodded in agreement before following behind Dokuja. "Thank you for aiding her, Dokuja... You didn't have to, but you did... even after her stubbornness. Aionna ignored my warnings..." she said with sorrow slowly thickening on her voice, but the ice dragon tried to swallow it. Her heavy footsteps from her weight left prints, flattening the grass. Illyana nudged Dokuja's shoulder lightly. She immediately darted towards the gates, shouting up at the guards to permit them entrance. Urgently, the guards opened the gates, allowing Queen Dokuja and their injured Queen Aionna into the city. They had called forth healers of various races to take Aionna to the infirmary where they would tend to her lethal battle wounds. They gently removed her body from Dokuja's arms and hurried towards their destination. It took several minutes, but the healers finally made it and laid her on a bed of black within Aionna's own private room. A Draconian used magic to help quicken the healing of the queen's flesh and scales. However, now there would be a scar across her breasts and back to remind Aionna of her dire mistake.
46. Dokuja nodded solemnly at Illyana's words of thanks, though her face didn't boast pride in this fact. She hated seeing her friend wounded like this... and so many people. She had been through many wars of her own... lead armies and watched men and women fall to the Black Union. Her own kingdom was overrun and was now deserted and in ruin. The only reminder that anyone had once lived there were the bodies that littered the grounds. She reminded herself every day that once this was all over, she would return and start the arduous task of burying all the dead. And she would search for the bodies of her family... her mother, father, and two younger brothers, Drake and Reid. Reid had been so young... She frowned at Aionna as the healers worked, then turned and headed to a window, peering out of it and towards the direction of her fallen kingdom, her heart sinking with the idea of home. A large green viper slowly slithered into the room, moving between the feeet of the healers easily before climbing up Dokuja's leg at the window and hissing in her ear comfortingly. Don't look so down, your highnessssss. he hissed to her, nuzzling her cheek with his pointed nose. Dokuja sighed and reached up, her light fingers gracing his head. "Hello, Magnus... My dear friend.." she whispered. "I'm just.... homesick.." And disappointed for this day'ssssss loss... I can read your thoughts as easily as you can read mine, highnessssss. Dokuja sighed again and nodded in understanding, her eyes looking out of the window sadly. "One day, Magnus... One day, we will return home and start over. And we will be stronger."
47. Opening her eyes, Aionna then kept her gaze upon the white ceiling in intense thought. Even though it was her fault they had lost the battle, her people were still loyal enough to save her from death. Her heart was swollen with regret and grief at the loss of her dedicated soldiers. "Thank you," she said sadly to the healers. Although, she didn't have much of her strength back, Aionna was still persistent in moving about. She exited the room so she could meet with Dokuja. "Dokuja.... I..." Aionna paused, trying to figure out how to put her words, "Thank you for saving my life... I'm in your debt." With rare tears, she hugged her dear friend tightly. "When this war is over, I'm going to help rebuild your true home. I promise..." Aionna wept on Dokuja's shoulder in an instant emotional break down. It was something she could no longer control at the current moment. "No more people will suffer on my account..."
48. Dokuja allowed Aionna to hug her, though hugging was not one of Dokuja's favorite past times. She lightly patted Aionna on the back, knowing she deserved and needed at least that much. "My friend... There is no debt to repay. I did only for you what you would have done for me." she whispered. At least she hoped. She looked at her in the eyes now, her own snake green ones studying her Draconic friend's intently. "But you know what must be done. If we have any chance of fighting this war and winning... It would be with Ava on our side." she whispered.
49. Aionna nodded, but remorse attacked her heart at the memory of a secret no one knew. "I miss Ava," she replied sorrowfully. "It's my fault why she's not here... but when we rescue her from Vincent, she'll be safe again. I just hope Ava's still alive... Who knows what Vincent's done to her now...Realizing how twisted he is, I don't even want to know..." Sighing, she fixed her posture, peering down the empty hallway. "Please come dine with me Dokuja. Just a small relaxation time and a time among friends before conspiring against the Black Union. Everyone is going to be needing good sleep tonight..." Aionna wiped the tears from her eyes before heading down the hallway to the dining room. "Dokuja, you are my dearest friend and I would give my life for you." She finally managed to bring up a smile on her fair visage.
50. Trinity came up through the shadow of a tree and saw the Draconians as she sat their waiting for an opportunity to rise. She carefully got up and began to walk around keeping her hood up so no one could recognize her in this kingdom. She carefully followed a guard and killed him in a back alleyway taking his crest as proof of his death."Rest in peace," she said as she soon disappeared around another cornor no one seeing her kill the guard who know laid motionless on the ground dead. Trinity found a local bar and popped in to gather information on things that were going on this city as well of events of the war that were soon to take place again.
51. Dokuja smiled at Aionna out of the corners of her eyes, watching her as Magnus rode her shoulder and also hissed in Aionna's direction fondly. She walked with her towards the dining hall, her eyes set ahead again. Despite her friend Aionna, and all of the comrades she'd found amongst the survivors, she still felt so... empty. She tried to move on, told herself to be strong for her deceased parents and brothers, but inside it was tearing her apart. She looked around at the many tapestries of great leaders before them, saying a mental prayer to all of them. Godsssss help us indeed... Magnus agreed with her mentally.
52. Once Aionna arrived at the dining hall, she allowed Dokuja to enter first before she allowed herself to step through the corridor. Servants bowed to their queens upon their arrival and set off to work in the kitchen. Aionna found a crystal table to eat at and sat down in one of the wooden chairs. "They'll bring out our breakfast eventually. They just need a little time to prepare it. How do you like your eggs, Dokuja?" Aionna frowned, noticing the sad look on her companion's face. "I understand your loss..." she said in a crestfallen tone. "The Black Union will pay for what they've done to Sandurn. They now have my wrath to answer to."
53. The look on Dokuja's face was not one of doubt... or even worry. It was just blank, staring at the crystalline surface of the table as she sat at it. Magnus uncoiled from her shoulder and slithered onto the table, wrapping himself in a ball in front of her and looking up into her eyes. He tilted his head and hissed at her and she blinked at him numbly. "No, Magnus. It's too dangerous to go outside right now.." she whispered and sighed. "You can, so long as you stay hidden... but for now.. I must remain inside with my friend." Magnus seemed to nod and he turned, slithering off of the table and out of the room, heading for the garden. She sighed and shook her head. "Aionna.. There is no doubt that the Black Union will pay blood for blood for all of my people and yours... for all of the suffering they have caused... but.. only the fates will decide if it is our hands they reap vengeance from."
54. Marneus made his way to the dinning hall, quickly caught up in reminiscent memories of his Legion. He saw Dokjua and Aionna. He shook off the glaze in his eyes and roused himself from what he would prefer to forget. Conversations and thoughts ran rampant through his head ahh, the chaos of community....if only some would keep their thoughts to themselves he thought as he sifted through anything unsavory.
55. Marneus watched as the dragons unloaded the weary and wounded. He went in search of the commander. He made his way into the bar. He turned to the men "I don't care if you've been asked to shadow me, i can handle myself in a bar and in this city the worst i have to worry about is an assasin so go free up, enjoy yourselves" he saw Trinity. He turned and looked at the men "Have fun, if you want money for the night then as usual i'll give you a little" he sighed.
56. Trinity had been drinking a little bit and now sat with her hood down looking at the soldiers, trying to find the right one to talk to. She carefully noticed one giving orders to a few others and walked up to him carrying a glass of wine,"So, hows the war going today gentlemen?" She asked looking at the one giving orders and then the others. Her thoughts deeply concentrated on getting information on the war so that she can find out where to go next.
57. "From what i gather the first encounter did not go well" Marneus sighed "Don't mind the men, just guards assigned to me that i don't need" he accepted the wine, sipping at it. "My name is Marneus Valkyre, and you are?"
58. "You may call me Trinity Maevus," she said, "and that sounds horrible Captain Valkyre," she continued, "Will your next battle be a victory for our people?" she asked looking for answers from the man in front of her. "and if I may ask where will your next battle take place?"
59. "Well met, and Captain? No, as of yet i am no captain. My legion was destroyed during the fall of my home. I am awaiting a new command. As to the next battle we are playing a defensive cat an mouse game for now" Marneus looked haunted at the mentioning of his former legion.
60. Trinity nodded and looked at the man,"I have to go Marneus," she said with a small smile as she though of the first friend she ever had back in her village. She quickly walked outside and fell into the Shadow Realm the memories of her youth forcing themselves into her. The blind angel who had first spoken to her in a dream while she slumbered in the shadows of her life.
61. He watched her go, turning back to the bar keep "Something stronger if you please. Nothing clear though" he found his seat, paid for the modest tab incured by his guards and went about enjoying whatever was about to be served.
62. Xavius walks through the corridors of the fortress after healing the wounded soldiers of the Black Union that had arrived earlier. He was heading toward his Leader Vincent Black's room to discuss what their next objective will be. As he travels he feels the presence of something else in the building that he wasn't informed of, but continues on to speak with Vincent. As he arrives outside his room he gently knocks on the door and announces his presence,"Its is me Xavius my Lord," he said,"I have come bringing news of the recent battle," he continues before waiting to be called in.
63. A robed man in black was in the room and he turned towards Xavius. "Come in, Xavius," he said sinisterly. "As of right now, our lord Vincent is currently away doing business with the prisoner Ava. I am just a simple servant. I do suggest though that you go down to the dungeons and meet him there... or at least that's what he told me to relay to you, young master." Then he left the throne room to take dirtied tableware to the kitchens.
64. In more severe pain, Ava awoke from sleep with sore thighs, but she wasn't chained up to the wall this time. It was almost as if she had woken up from a nightmare, but she knew very well that it wasn't. Vincent had placed a black gown on her ruined body as if he was planning something unusual. She guessed it was probably because he was planning a way to convince her to use her powers for him. There was nothing he could do to convince her... especially not after all of the cruel and selfish torture he put her through. Ava pressured herself to get on her feet; however, her weakness caused her to fall forwards onto her face. "Get up," she heard a familiar, sinister voice call to her. Looking towards the door, she found that it was open once more and Vincent was staring down at her with more lust in his eyes. Ava knew though that it wasn't what he came for.
65. Vincent narrowed his eyes with a dark grin. "You'll be wearing that dress to your funeral if you don't give in..." Then he laughed in his own heartless humor. "If you become pregnant however... I'm going to need the child and your life will be spared until it becomes older..." The werewolf's face instantly grew grim since simple chat wasn't part of his plans. Folding his arms, he stared Ava down. "You must come with me. If you make the slightest action towards escape, I will slaughter you."
66. Xavius made his way toward the dungeon walking down the damp cold stairs until he reached the dungeon level. He heard his Lord speaking to the prisoner and waited outside for Vincent to acknowledge his presence and ask for him to enter. As he waited he heard what his master intended and knew what would be needed to bring this child into existence and how his services will help in the birth of a new child. Xavius blinked away the thoughts and focused on what was occurring in the dungeon chamber behind him as he awaited further guidance.
67. "Ah...Xavius, perfect timing. Come with us to the dining hall. We have much to discuss... along with the results of the battle. Keep a sharp on the girl." Vincent exited the room and took himself up the stair case that would lead them to the Dark Hall. At the top of the stairs, he came to a horizontal hallway and directly across from where he was lied the entrance to the Dark Hall. A servant exited the hall and became frightened by the small group's presence. "Gather others to help prepare a meal. I have grown tired by the sluggishness of the speed you have shown lately. MOVE!" The servant shivered with fear for a brief moment before he gathered enough strength to dart into the kitchen. Vincent seized Ava's wrist and took her into the Dark Hall where his throne sat at the far end. Then he tossed her to the side as he growled and sent her into the wall closest to them. "As for you... you won't be dining with us. Go with the servants and provide Xavius and I with food." He took a seat at his throne while watching his prisoner walk for the kitchen without question.
68. Xavius lowered his head in respect to his lord,"Yes my lord and I shall follow," he said before following Vincent and Ava up the stair case that would lead them to the Dark Hall. As he reached the top he saw the horizontal hallway and followed his lord into the Dark Hall. As his Lord Vincent took his seat Xavius crouched down on a knee in front of him in respect and began speaking of what he acquired from the soldiers he had healed,"My Lord, our fellow Lord Craous has granted us a victory on the battlefield of Cathmul Forest over out enemies. I have also learned that their leader Aionna was injured, but is most likely healed by now due to Lord Craous's letting them escape the battlefield. I have also been given data that their numbers are dwindling at a wonderful rate and that are forces had no casualties due to our healers and myself. I bring you my lord this news of the recent battle so that you may decide our next decision and guide us to absolute victory over our enemies." he said then raised his head slowly so that he may gaze upon the brilliance of his Lord and Master.
69. "That is excellent tidings, Xavius. We are going to stay quiet for a while to see if we crushed the pride of the Alliance. The next we go out to fight, I will join the field... however... this won't be for quite some time considering I have important things to do with the prisoner. In the mean time, I want security around the kingdom increased just in case." At last a marvelous meal was prepared and brought out upon a long, rectangular table of stone. Vincent left his throne for the end seat of the table. "The soldiers must train twice as vigorous."
70. "I will make sure the soldiers are trained to the upmost levels of their powers," Xavius said, "and I will have the security tightened tenfold with backups in place so they can train and rest in their offtime." he continued then walked over to the table standing by his Lords side."I will make the soldiers stronger, faster, and more dangerous then any dragon could possibly be," he said his eyes showing passion for the Lords desires."I will see to it at once my lord and prepare the troops for the next upcoming days of Dark Training." Xavius bowed his head in respect to his Lord and quickly left the Dark Hall to relay the messages to the soldiers from Craous's Army so they may too train hard and strong.
71. Dimly luminescent eyes of a icy sapphire glared at Xavius as he left the hall in a hurry to carry out the Dark Sovereign's wishes. The dirty look was mostly impassive, and otherwise hidden completely in shadow, but it wasn't one of loathing, rather, mild annoyance at his comrade's upbeat outlook. "Foolish," General Denali Mephistopheles hissed harshly under his breath, shifting into a wan shaft of light that escaped the dining Hall. The weak light splashed a long rectangle of detail across a hideously beautiful creature, twisted beyond nature.
72. He rapped the door to the Hall harshly with a stained gauntlet once and barged in, revealing a draconian thirteen feet from ivory talon to alabaster mane. Between these two extremum stretched a powerful, blue-scaled body garbed in black chain mail, thick ebony leather, and matching chest plate. "Lord Vincent," Denali purred as he bowed lightly, his voice rumbling through the room like distant and bitter thunder. His broad wings ruffled at his back, and his thick, armor adorned tail snapped back and forth in agitation. He straightened and looked his Lord in the eye, aware that he was intruding and otherwise impassive of this fact, "I wish to speak. May I join you, Sire?"
73. Craous did not bother to knock. He appeared in a cloud of smoke and fire in Vincent's hall, an angry look on his face. He spotted Vincent and looked at him. "It was so kind of you to help me out there today as I requested," he said sarcastically. "Instead of bedding that ridiculous whore you took, you could have spared me at least a company of men and I would have routed those...enemies of ours. Instead here you are, lounging about as if you haven't a care in the world." The man's eyes blazed red. "If it weren't for the minotaurs, I probably would have lost. But I have their measure now, if you would like to know, since you could not dredge up the courtesy of showing yourself."
74. "Craous," Denali greeted plainly for simple formality. He turned his icy gaze back to his Lord, "I think Craous' concerns fairly much sum up what I had come here to say. I am concerned that we are becoming lazy and overconfident," he growled. The General was deeply annoyed, but he didn't let a shred of his emotions show beyond an agitated twitch in his tail. "We," he motioned simply to Craous and Vincient with his luminescing eyes, "need to talk."
75. "Say what you will, but nothing will sway me. I let no man... or beast... control my actions taken in war," Vincent said quite irritatedly and unusually calm. It was as if he had expected this of the two. "Do you not realize why we need the girl? Craous, that whore holds the power to destroy both Sar'dan and the Black Union. She is the daughter of Holondom, God of Creation... but she is also the daughter of Kiratosh, Goddess of Chaos and Seduction. Use her powers and we can eradicate Sar'dan as well as all light in Delilus. The continent will be encased in darkness. Ava's son... my son... will be the most powerful creature in history... not to forget to mention my successor and future tyrant of the malevolent universe." Grinning, he stood up with piercing eyes. "Are you pleased now to hear of my full intentions?" he asked in spite. "Laziness... no... overconfidence... maybe. If you added a little more... education... to your simple agenda, you'd understand why my appearance in the war zone is rather few. My work behind the black curtains is vital in case you haven't realized quite yet."
76. Blind as she was, Ava Cecily was able to make her way around and hear things far away that others couldn't. She heard all of the conversation from the kitchen as she prepared more of the dark king's breakfast. Considering her kindness and rather unusual forgiving personality, she made glasses of wine and mead for everyone who remained in the Dark Hall. Their auras told her who was who and their scent told her how far she was from them when she delivered the drinks. "Here you are, Sires," she said gently and weakly. She also brought out good meals for them along with the other cooks. Since Vincent was done with her, Ava was sent back down to be chained up and her powers drugged in the dungeon.
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